My Approach to Helping
Change is the only constant in life, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is easy! Pain is an indicator that something isn't working and it is time for change. Like most things worthwhile, change requires hard work. Guiding you through the process of change is my lifework. Whatever your struggle, I'm here to work through it with you --you are not alone! The purpose of psychotherapy is to help you improve your life by making meaningful changes. A good therapist should, first and foremost, be able to help you reduce the immediate distress that has pushed you to look for treatment. Once that initial relief is accomplished, the way is then cleared to focus on the bigger-picture of your life: your beliefs and feelings about yourself and others, your interpersonal style, the usual ways in which you protect yourself from getting hurt, the influence of your childhood experiences, and many other factors, including highlighting and using your hard-won strengths, all with the aim of bringing about changes that lead to lasting improvements in quality of life.
More Info About My Practice
My Therapy Focus
The specific focus of my work depends largely on the client(s). I do not think there is any one type of theory or technique that works for everyone so the approach I take with each person is individualized. Having said that, I think it is important to attack every issue on two levels. On one, we will work to reduce or eliminate unwanted symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, drinkingdrug use, or hopelessness as quickly as possible so that you feel better. On the other level, we will uncover the issues underlying the symptoms and work to gain deeper understanding so that these symptoms or new ones do not not resurface down the road. While this second task can take time to accomplish, it is often essential for long term healing.
I'm currently accepting new clients! While I don't currently accept insurance, many of my clients successfully submit their therapy receipts back to insurance for partial reimbursement
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Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
The most important factors in choosing a therapist are:
(1) feeling comfortable and safe with your therapist, like you can tell them anything,
(2) convenience (proximity to home & availability of weekly appointment time)
(3) affordability (for continued attendance).