I work with a wide variety of people from youth to older adults, professionals, students, athletes, stay-at-home parents, couples and families. Generally speaking, my clients are people like yourself, who:

• Sense something is missing in themselves, their relationships or career path.
• Are people who value taking care of their mental and emotional health and see this as essential to successful relationships, career, and overall wellness.
• Want freedom from repetitive emotions, self criticism and inner blocks to action.
• Want to connect emotionally with themselves and others.
• Would like a new way of looking at a situation that feels stuck or unsolvable.
• Are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief or addictive behaviors.

Getting started

Often clients don’t know what to say or where to begin.  Each person I work with has a unique story waiting to be told and explored.  Everyone begins with a problem or a sense that something is not right in his or her life.  In other words they are suffering and in pain.  Your pain may feel like depression, frustration, anxiety, stress, anger, loss, self-criticism or fear.  It may be the result of past hurts or it may be felt in relationship with a partner or child.  Each of us would like to find a way out of our pain and live more fully and happily.  In our work together I will show you how to begin to develop empathy and compassion for what in you feels bad, stuck or in pain.  Often the hardest part is getting started!

The process

Therapy begins with an assessment of the presenting problem(s), defining needs, establishing goals and a plan for reaching those goals. How we get there is a process of talking together about what matters to you and my reflecting back to you what I hear, see and feel while checking for understanding. I will be active is this process by asking about your relationships, disappointments and desires. We will talk about patterns of behavior, challenge old beliefs and build on your sources of strength.

I will work with you to build an emotionally safe and respectful relationship. You should feel safe but not always feel comfortable. Discomfort is a reaction to the emotional challenges you feel in your body and the process of learning to listen to them. Learning to listen to your discomfort will bring relief and the opportunity for you to experience yourself, family or relationship in a different way.

Couples and Family Therapy

I believe healthy relationships need to be based on mutual respect and equality. I work with couples and families to create safety so intimacy, hope and trust can grow. I help each person experience the part they play in maintaining the painful relationship and give guidance to repairing and reconnecting with each other. For an example of what this might look like, please visit the Focusing page.