My Approach to Helping
In my 25 years of practice I have experience with a wide range of therapeutic modalities. I have an eclectic therapeutic style, but primarily I utilize the method known as client centered therapy. This approach was developed by Carl Rogers, who was one of the originators of the Humanistic therapy approach. Emphasis is on the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life. The core belief, is that people are innately good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves. Like Rogers, I believe that you are capable of change and possess the ability to find the solutions to your own problems. My role is to support and guide you as you face the obstacles that are causing disruptions in your life. I will help you identify obstacles that you don't have control over, and help you with acceptance of this. I will also assist you in identifying what you do have control over, such as how you react and respond to events in your life. I will use the technique of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, to help you recognize dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to events in your life. You will learn that you have been engaging in this process for many years, having created an automatic pattern causing you to feel stuck. Originally developed by Aaron Beck, and then later expanded on by David Burns, this is primarily a psychoeducational technique. Written exercises are used to reveal these dysfunctional patterns, as well as learning healthier ways to respond. Over the years I have used these, and a multitude of other techniques to help clients in their growth process. But human beings are complex, and there is not one catch-all approach to therapy. There are so many variables such as culture, family of origin history, traumas and losses, physical and other mental health challenges.... I believe that the key to successful therapy is the therapist client relationship. I think it's important to demonstrate to you, the client, that I am a human being first. This helps to promote trust, and allows you to feel safe enough to share your vulnerability with me. So as I get to know you, you can become confident that my training and clinical experience, will direct me to the best approaches to help compassionately guide you through your journey.