My Approach to Helping
Compassion comes with knowledge and self-understanding. It is my belief that when we are not living a life that is true to who we are, we aren't able to make our lives fulfilling or enjoyable. Our culture presents us with many pressures and conflicting messages that we struggle to manage. I help people identify and build on their unique values and strengths. I believe that when you live authentically, you are more resistant to feelings of unhappiness, anxiety, and relationship struggles because you will have learned to respect and support your unique self.
I believe in helping people in a thorough and holistic manner. In addition to exploring short-term solutions, I will help you understand the source of your feelings or frustrations and develop a sense of self-mastery and self-compassion. Equipped with a core understanding of self, we will create and work towards your life goals. I believe in a "bottom, up" approach because I feel that it is essential to creating stable, long-lasting change.
My work with couples and families is also holistic in manner. I strive to champion the individual and joint strengths in order to address relationship challenges. Through various mechanisms, I aim to help couples recover the aspects of their relationship that brought them together, heal wounds from past hurts, and learn new ways of relating that will move them forward with strength. Life changes such as cohabitation and children can be wonderful and also necessitate changes that can lead to stress, frustration, and relationship dissatisfaction. I help my clients regain balance in their lives so they can more fully enjoy each chapter.
My approach to counseling and therapy draws on a number of different techniques and I recognize that everyone has a unique story to tell. Unfortunately, social attitudes towards things like gender, sexual orientation, substance abuse, or family situations can make someone afraid to speak out. I will support and nurture you regardless of culture, gender, sexual orientation, or background. I strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment, free of judgment.
Transparency and directness are two important things that I practice. I will give you feedback and communicate with you in a supportive way. I believe that the best therapy happens when there is collaboration and communication.
To learn more about the specific techniques I use, please visit my website.