HOW I CAN HELP.
I have spent many years mastering techniques from a wide variety of different theoretical approaches. I integrate the best qualities of the theories that I have studied to tailor my services to meet your individual needs and help you feel better. Here is a brief description of some of the theories that I use.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used theoretical orientation that helps clients to understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to begin working toward changing this relationship in a way that will improve their mental health.
Attachment Based Psychodynamic Therapy
I believe that a person's early childhood experiences have a huge impact upon their development, and challenges at this early time of life often are the cause of interpersonal problems and problems with how a person feels about themselves. I like to help clients develop insight about how their attachment relationships from the past are continuing to have an impact upon their present lives. I also like to work together with clients to change to how they feel about themselves and relate to others.
Person Centered Therapy
I believe that the individual client is the person in the best position to understand and make positive changes to their life, and I believe that every person has an innate capacity to move toward more a positive and healthy lifestyle. I think that obstacles can arise in a person's life that get them stuck, sort of like a knot in a rope, which can pull them in two directions at once. Person centered therapy can help clients to identify some of these obstacles and begin to address them so that they can continue to live the life that they know will bring them meaning and joy.
Narrative Therapy
I believe that people understand the world and their position in it primarily though the stories that they have written for themselves. Some people see themselves as heroes in their story, and others as victims or villains. The way that a person evaluates themselves can have a profound impact upon their story and how they feel about their lives. I believe that everyone has a story to tell and I want to listen to your story, and if you do find yourself feeling unworthy or ashamed, I want to help you to challenge the role that you have created for yourself so that you can be proud of your place in this world.
What to expect
I have found that many clients are very nervous about their first session of therapy. I just want to assure you that I have a lot of experience in helping people to feel comfortable and safe in sessions as they get to know me and begin to open up. After getting to know one another, I like to collaborate with clients to create some goals that they would like to work toward. I like these goals to be short-term and manageable so that my clients can begin to enjoy the benefits of therapy as soon as possible.
You determine the pace
I have worked with some clients who want to change right away, and they want me to give them practical advice and guidance. Others prefer to slowly explore themselves as they develop the motivation and internal resources to grow at their own rate. I provide individualized treatment that is tailored to you, no matter how long it takes.
Arise
I am hoping that you give me an opportunity to try to help you to live a life that is meaningful and worthwhile. I know how hard it is to get stuck in life, and how it is easy to have the problems in your life bury you. I encourage you to stand up, reach out, and begin your journey to a more fulfilling life today.