My goal is to help you find your path toward happiness and empower you to live a richer life with more fulfilling relationships.
There are various ways you and I might work together in therapy. Depending on your needs, I may assume an active, directive approach so that you can make some immediate changes in your life. This might involve us problem-solving together and generating solutions, or helping you find means of coping with a certain situation. Alternatively, I may assume more of a listening role as I guide you to identify and express your emotions in a way that is healing and helps you develop better relationships. I might even use several approaches with you – it just depends on how you are likely to benefit the most. In other words, the way I work with you depends on your specific needs. I do not assume a “cookbook” approach to therapy where I use the same “recipe” to treat everyone. Instead, I tailor therapy to you and your particular concerns so that it is personalized and meaningful.
There are other important points about how I tend to work. I make sure to address your concerns in a way that is practical. If you recently witnessed a traumatic event, for example, it will unlikely be useful to talk about childhood experiences (unless the traumatic event brings up childhood memories or feelings or is similar to one you experienced as a child). I also focus on who you are as a person instead of placing emphasis on your psychological diagnosis. I recognize your personal strengths and help you utilize these strengths in the therapeutic process. My therapy style tends to be interactive. Too often I have heard clients complain about prior therapists who either “just sat there” or, on the other hand, “talked to me, but didn’t really listen.” My approach is moderate and balanced. This means I listen carefully to what you say while actively offering support, comments, or questions. As a final note, clients have told me they feel comfortable with me because I have a warm, down-to-earth style.