Approach to Therapy

Our inner lives, relationships and behaviors are intertwined. So, I approach therapy by encouraging people to work on their concerns from a number of different perspectives simultaneously. Whether you respond to changes in your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, sexual/sensual, interpersonal or spiritual self, change and growth are possible.

My approach emphasizes many facets of experience.

Throughout our entire lives we benefit from the interest and acceptance of others. Most of us desire intimate, nurturing relationships. And for good reason—modern neuroscience has revealed that our brains are uniquely hardwired for human interaction. As we form and participate in relationships, neural connections literally form and develop in the brain.

We strive to feel competent and effective in the world, to meet our physical needs and to experience sexual excitement and sensual stimulation. We are motivated not only to respond and influence the world around us, but also to understand and manage our internal world—to respond appropriately to challenges and opportunities, to calm ourselves when distressed, and to understand our thoughts and make use of our emotional reactions.

Most people want to understand their own experience, know what is interfering with their goals and lives, and act to improve things. I am emotionally engaged, collaborative, and committed to use every professionally-appropriate approach in my repertoire to help you.

Sometimes we will focus on the future you want, while other times we will emphasize understanding what is happening in the present. When we talk about the past it will be to understand what you are currently going through, how you view yourself and others, or the obstacles to change.

Therapy as a relationship

When you struggle with relationships or your goals include changing your interactions with other people, we will, from time to time, talk about our therapy relationship. The relationship we have with one another provides another lens through which to view yourself. The way you and I interact offers first hand information about what happens in your relationships. Separate from your day to day life, you have a person with whom to try out new ways to relate and respond.

I am encouraging, supportive and emotionally present. Our relationship can be point of reference when needed, a means to better understand your experiences with others and a place to test out new ways of interacting. Talking openly can be difficult for some people, and I will do my human best to be receptive to your reactions, feelings and perceptions about me and our work.

Change can start as feelings shift, thoughts emerge, insight occurs, experience is incorporated, or skills or new behavior are practiced.  We will learn what works best for you.

Your needs and goals will influence how long we work together, and whether our focus is narrow or broad. We will monitor your progress and adapt as we go along.

I look forward to working with you.