Approach
The process of therapy is unique to each individual. To tailor our work together toward what is most helpful to you, I draw from a number of approaches. Schools of thought that influence my therapy work include depth psychology (Jung, Hillman), liberation psychology, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), interpersonal, relational, humanistic, feminist-multicultural, emotion-focused, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapies, as well as self-compassion and mindfulness.
During a therapy session, I am an active participant in the process, bringing genuine presence, empathy, and validation. I believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a safe space to experience and explore emotion, identify and explore thought and behavior patterns within relationship, and to heal from past relationship challenges.
I find that poetry, philosophy, story, song, and other creative expressions of humanity hold wisdom and healing potential. I like to weave these into therapy work, and warmly welcome and encourage clients to join me in this.
As my client, I view you as the expert of your own experience. My role is collaborator in the therapy process, actively listening for themes and patterns, asking questions to encourage self-exploration, and (with curiosity, respect, and perhaps some humor) challenging unhelpful or “stuck” patterns in thoughts and behaviors. Trauma, loss, life transitions, dysfunctional relationships, and other stressors can cause emotional pain that is hard to manage alone and that can be an obstacle in the way of truly understanding oneself.
Developing greater insight into yourself and your experiences is the first step in: (1) accepting yourself as you are right now, and (2) understanding your role in what is keeping you stuck, (3) making changes to direct your life toward what you actually want.
When you discover your sense of personal authority, you can make choices that serve you. When you are centered in your life, your relationships improve, you move with purpose, and you thrive emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
My goal for our work together is to progress toward respect and acceptance of your past experiences and the person you are now, while also enhancing self-awareness and coping to empower you to find ever more ease and satisfaction in your life.