Approach and Modality

My Guiding Philosophy:

My work is deeply informed by the belief that all life, sentient or non-sentient, holds inherent value. I believe all living things deserve and are capable of experiencing dignity, respect, appreciation, and compassion. My daily mindfulness meditation practice, with a nonspiritual approach, fuels my keen interest in the neurobiological and psychological benefits of meditation and mindfulness.  Ultimately, I believe we each possess an innate ability to both understand and act upon what serves us best in any given situation.

Therapeutic Approach:

I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic, and relational approaches into my practice. Psychodynamic therapies explore how early childhood experiences shape our present-day perspectives. The coping mechanisms we developed then can influence how we handle current challenges, even though they may no longer be optimal.

IFS (Internal Family Systems) suggests that our adult selves have the capacity to make informed decisions based on compassion, rather than fear of past experiences repeating. By acknowledging and connecting with our “inner parts” – those internal aspects that may hold onto past burdens – we can facilitate their healing and empower them to trust the wholeness of the individual. This transformation allows oneself to make conscious choices that promote well-being.

My interest extends to Jungian psychology, especially the practice of dream analysis.  Dreams, I believe, act as a direct and powerful portal to our inner world, providing a unique opportunity to connect with and explore the depths of our psyche.

Understanding Through Collaboration:

While I may not always rely on clinical diagnoses, I recognize the importance of a shared language.  Using words to anchor experiences can serve as a catalyst for our collaborative work. I focus on helping clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, personality disorders, loss of meaning, grief, self-esteem, and relational issues.  More importantly, I partner with clients to develop a personalized understanding of their unique challenges. We then work together to identify and cultivate inner resources, setting individual treatment goals within a specific context.

This collaborative approach has proven effective for hundreds of clients who have fully engaged in the process. They continue to develop inner strength, build meaningful relationships, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for life.

The Therapeutic Process:

Following our initial consultation, we’ll dedicate time to exploring your specific needs and goals. Open communication is key – please don’t hesitate to share openly. Together, we’ll prioritize what to address initially, acknowledging the importance of managing overwhelm and building resources before delving deeper.

Your Sessions:

Our 60-minute sessions aim to create a space that fosters clarity, acceptance, and the potential for transformation. I am committed to providing the highest quality of ethical care within a regularly supervised, warm, inclusive, and compassionate environment. My communication style is direct, sometimes infused with wit, but most importantly, it is designed to encourage introspection and self-reflection.

Therapy takes time and patience to get to the core of one’s issues. It is a process that leads to deep change and meaningful transformation. My role as a therapist remains, above all, to be a witness, and hopefully guide you through this transition.

If you would like to have a better understanding of the counseling process, I can offer a 15-minute phone call. Please contact me, and we can arrange it at a convenient time for both of us.