How I work

Above all, I strive to help my clients fully see their strengths and gifts.  Because I understand that for many people, seeing a therapist evokes feelings of vulnerability, I strive from the outset to convey the respect and warmth I feel ; for me, it is an honor to be able to know people so deeply, and to walk with them on part of their journey.  If we work together, l will be fully committed to your growth and well-being. 

In spite of their assets, people usually seek help because something in their lives is not working.  I find it very rewarding to help people seek solutions to whatever is keeping them stuck.  Before we meet, I will ask you to think about what your life would be like, both internally and externally, if therapy were “wildly successful“. From here, we would work to establish goals – goals we can break down into small steps, and actively work on.  If you have the time and energy, we will generate between-session practice ideas, and ways to track your progress.  We will analyze everything (including your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and environment) that blocks your forward movement.   Lastly, we will generate concrete, workable plans for how to get passed these barriers.  I believe that the change process is difficult, but possible, and that change is not simply a matter of will power.  It comes about when we set up our lives so that enough variables are in place (Internal ones, like realistic expectations, supportive thoughts, and helpful reactions to our own emotions; and external ones, like other people, deadlines, motivators and structure) to make change inevitable.

On the other hand, I recognize that many things in our lives are beyond our control.  Here we would focus on acceptance, and finding some measure of peace, and quality of life, in the midst of difficult circumstances.

I strive to be collaborative and transparent.  I will share with you how I am thinking about the work we are doing, and will be asking you for your feedback and input each step of the way.

On your end, please:

  • Arrive on time for scheduled appointments, or cancel with a minimum of 48 hours notice.
  • Keep your goals in mind during each session (what problems  need to be solved; what changes need to take place; where do you want to be going in your life).
  • Be willing to identify, discuss, and work on internal blocks to your goals.
  • Actively work to change patterns in your life that are not working.
  • Acknowledge your own successes, and be as open as you can to positive feedback from me.
  • Do agreed upon between-session assignments

Next: Policies

Published on  January 27th, 2021