My Approach to Helping
I have been working as a therapist for over 30 years. Much of my work has been with couples, families, and groups, but I have more recently begun seeing individuals as well. I have been influenced by gestalt therapy, family systems, and relational psychoanalysis. To me, what is most healing for people is to find a "relational home", wherein they can feel safe to explore the most vulnerable aspects of themselves in a trusting, non-judgmental environment.
This is true for couples and families, as well as for individuals. I am a growth-oriented therapist who is "difference-friendly", and I love to work with people who are on a path of personal and or spiritual growth.
More Info About My Practice
My fees are determined by how much people have to spend on therapy. My basic fee is $150. for a 60-minute hour, but I am willing to slide down to what people can afford. I am a licensed psychologist and am able to work with most insurance companies that provide PPOs. My office is in Berkeley, a few minutes from the Ashby Bart. I am open to evening appointments.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I am very skilled at creating a safe container, seeing patterns as they manifest in couples, families or individuals, and at helping people to communicate what they are feeling in ways that will better allow them to get the responses they are hoping for. I am open to feedback about what it or isn't working in the therapy. I can be very honest and direct, but can also be soft and compassionate, depending on what is needed at a particular time with a specific individual. I am very aware of people's strengths as well as their "growing edges", and do not see people as immature, damaged or developmentally stunted. I believe we all have areas of our personalities that are perfect just as they are while other parts may "need some improvement". I try to help people get in touch with all their parts and help the parts to be better able to communicate with each other.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
No matter how "perfect" we remember our childhood to be, none of us gets off without times where we weren't held, seen or attuned to, the way we should have been. Unfortunately, these events can become triggers for us in our adult lives when we feel abandoned, misunderstood, left out, lonely or forgotten. These triggers can be very painful and prevent us from the wholeness of who we are. Experiencing ourselves in a safe and trusting relationship with a therapist can remind us of our strengths in the midst of these rejections, and can create a more balanced and realistic view of ourselves. In being held this way, we can also dare to look at parts of ourselves and our past or present, that were too painful to look at on our own.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.