Individuals

There are many doors through which people enter therapy.

Frequently a personal crisis motivates a person to seek professional assistance, but sometimes it is simply time to confront and change behavioral and/or emotional patterns that have become self-defeating.  The issues for which I typically see  clients include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Stress; “burn-out” symptoms
• Balancing work and family life
• Relationship concerns
• Family and parenting issues
• Separation and divorce
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Recovery from the effects of past physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Life transitions (eg. Mid-life passage; lifestyle changes)

I believe strongly that our dilemmas and challenges are our teachers, and we must let them speak to us.  This can take some time and there is a need to slow down and reflect.  This is the heart of therapy.  Nothing is to be pushed away but instead, gently and compassionately examined.

Depending on what arises and how the process unfolds, I draw on therapeutic approaches such as

• Psychodynamic therapy
• Experiential focusing
• Jungian approaches
• Cognitive therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Family of origin therapy
• Family systems therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Psycho-educational info
• Twelve-step programs
• Non-violent communication
• Mindfulness and meditation practices

Ultimately therapy is effective when individuals have learned the value of examining their feelings and behaviors, and have developed ways of continuing their self-discovery, practicing self-acceptance, and expressing their authentic selves.  The capacity to show genuine acceptance and compassion to others begins with how people relate to themselves. The capacity to change – to go beyond the constraints of what therapists call “ego” – requires nothing less than the courage, patience and openness to stay present to one’s own experience no matter how painful or shameful it may feel.  It will be worth the effort.