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My Approach:

WHY THERAPY? WHY THIS THERAPIST?

Talking about who I am and what I worry about with a person I don’t even know? Really? Will I feel too vulnerable, confirm my worst fears that I am the only one feeling this way, and can’t be helped? Will I be understood? Can I trust that I won’t be judged, criticized or pressured to change in ways I may be uncomfortable with? Does this therapist have the ability/ experience/ skills to help me?

As an experienced therapist I have observed that people seek out therapy for lots of different reasons. One of these may be true for you: Maybe you aren’t feeling as happy or content as you used to, or you have or had goals that you aren’t quite achieving. Maybe you are feeling lonely or isolated, or you recently lost or can’t move on from a relationship. There may be patterns you’ve noticed that aren’t working well for you. You may have intense feelings that you don’t understand or may act on in ways that are harmful to you or others. You may have negative thoughts or chatter in your brain that you can’t shut off.  Our past experiences, losses, or trauma may influence how we feel about ourselves or relate to other people. Current situations or relationships can trigger old, intense emotions or thoughts, ways of being and interacting.

My approach is most of all to provide a safe and accepting space. My aim is to listen to you and reflect back to you; to be sure I really understand you. I want to know what you worry about and what you are passionate about. I never presume to know who you are or what you need. My practice is grounded in a genuine love of this work and my belief in the unique and inherent strength in all people. My goal is to help my client’s value and build on these.

Whether you have been dealing with these for a long time or these are new and perhaps in response to an event or change in your life, therapy can really help. The past seems to influence how we feel about ourselves or relate to other people now. Current events and relationships can trigger old, intense emotions or ways of relating to others. Sometimes increasing awareness and separating out then and now can make a difference. Changes can be made as well by learning and practicing new skills, ways of thinking about things or managing emotions.

Sometimes all you need is a couple of sessions. Sometimes more, if you want to dig deeper. By combining skill building and self-awareness I believe I can assist you making changes to feel better, to be more effective, and find and express your authentic self.

I Can Support You With:

  • Depression, Anxiety, or Mood Disruptions

  • Life Changing Events (Divorce, Loss of a Relationship, Loss of a Loved One or Pet, Remarriage or Partnership, Step-Family Integration)

  • Natural Life Transitions (New Marriage or Partnership, New Baby, Child Leaving Home, Aging, Caring for Aging Parents)

  • Improving Communication and Family Relationships

  • Grief and Loss

  • Trauma Experiences

  • Improving Self-Awareness and Competence

Experience and skills:

  • Goal-Oriented/ Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Level I)

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy

  • Relationship-Based Therapy (Couples, Families, Parent-Child)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Attachment-Focused Family Therapy (PACE)

  • Trauma Informed Care

  • Grief and Loss Therapy

  • Pet Loss and Bereavement Counseling

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Integrative Therapy

  • Parenting Coaching and Education

  • Women's Experience and Empowerment

  • Infant/Child Bonding Skills Building