Counseling

People come for individual therapy for many different reasons.  Many clients desire a deep change in their lives that will move them into a new way of living or being in the world.  I use varied approaches to support clients, and as your therapist, I will seek to use the most skillful means possible to meet you where you are and help you move along the path that is best suited for your growth.  Having worked with clients for over a decade, I rely heavily on my intuition and depth of experience to discern where a client may be stuck, what their belief systems are, and how they might begin to reclaim or discover their power.  I listen intently to see where a person might stifle their authentic voice and work to create a space so they can begin to listen to their inner guidance and move through the fear that can bind and limit them.

When appropriate, I support clients in learning how to contain themselves and use a healthy working boundary so they can begin to understand the impact they have on others. My focus on family of origin work is in intended to help you understand why you may behave the way you do and begin to bridge the child within and move into your life as a full-grown adult.  Over and over again I witness clients begin to move in the world from a more creative, authentic, fluid place rather than a rigid, fixed perspective seeing mainly in black and white.  When this shift begins to occur we have the ability to be in relationship with the world from a place of choice and possibility.

In working with clients who have experienced trauma in their childhood, I have found Pia Mellody’s therapeutic model essential in supporting clients as they move from a place of survival to creativity.  This work involves learning and embodying self-esteem, healthy boundaries, one’s own voice, moderation, and self-care.  Over the last two decades, I have trained in multiple therapeutic and healing modalities that have influenced who I am as a therapist and healer. For more information on my practice, please look at my Modalities page.

Couples may seek therapy for many reasons.  The basic truth is that living in partnership can be both deeply rewarding and joyful as well as painful and challenging.  Many couples who come into my office have been married for a long time and seek to reignite excitement or passion in their relationship.  Others struggle with being true to themselves in their marriage, perhaps feeling controlled or disrespected and desperate to find their strength and sense of self-worth.  Still others have issues with anger or addictions that threaten the marriage.  I also counsel younger couples seeking to better communication and improve their relational skills.  In other words, coming to couples counseling does not necessarily mean that your relationship is bad.  Many who come into my office have a vision for a fantastic relationship and are willing to seek therapy early on in their relationship.  Whatever your situation, couples counseling can offer a powerful space for breaking out of unhealthy patterns, moving beyond lukewarm connection to realize your desire for an exceptional relationship.

The truth is that many of us grew up in households in which we were not taught how to be healthy in relationships.  What we observed, how we were parented, and what was present or absent in our upbringing can impact us deeply.  But we do not have to be destined to follow in the footsteps of our parents or endlessly create unhappy, unfulfilling marriages.  As a therapist, I have witnessed couples work through deep wounds and challenges to create real change in their lives.  You too have this potential.  If the desire and willingness to work deeply on your relationship is present, you too can create something new.  

In couples’ work with me, you can expect that I will begin by attuning deeply to what your needs really are.  In session, I will support you in establishing healthy patterns, developing practical skills, and exploring limiting belief systems that have been affecting your relationship.  I will also focus on issues or trauma related to your family of origin that may unconsciously influence your interactions.  A primary purpose of couples’ therapy is to learn more about yourself, your partner, and the patterns that keep you locked in unhealthy cycles.  Many people come to therapy believing that their partner needs to change, and often this is true.  But as your therapist, I will focus on both you and your partner.  This perspective is important if we are to be full relational human beings capable of seeing ourselves clearly as well as our partner.  As your therapist, you can expect from me truthful and compassionate challenging to deepen self-reflection and accountability for personal growth and change.