My Approach to Helping
As an Imago Relationship Therapist, I have been trained and certified through the Institute for Relationship Therapy, founded by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., author of Getting the Love you Want and several other bestsellers. Imago therapy allows couples to dissolve dysfunctional communication patterns, heal childhood wounds and rekindle joy and passion in their relationships. Imago is also effective in helping individuals explore and change their relationship patterns in order to better choose the perfect mate. I am also a Master level practitioner of Encounter-centered Couples Therapy. This model integrates Imago Theory, the philosophy of Martin Buber, and advances in Neuroscience to deepen connection even further.
For over 30 years, I have led many people to resolve long-standing issues, develop a heightened state of well-being, and create more love and peace in their lives. I especially enjoy offering one and two-day workshops and retreats for couples both before and during marriage.
I am an experienced Supervisor and Teacher, leading other therapists to further develop their skills working with couples through trainings in Encounter-centered Couples Therapy.
More Info About My Practice
I am passionate about creating safety, connection and joy in the lives of my clients. With an eye toward honoring relational space, I can help you reclaim your original wholeness.
I am available by appointment for weekly 50 to 90-minute sessions or longer Intensive sessions from 3 hours to 2 days. I also offer one-day workshops for Engaged Couples, Start Right, Stay Connected, weekend retreats for Married Couples. I train and coach other Therapists in Encounter-centered Couples Therapy. Some insurance companies may reimburse you for therapy.
Call today to chat about how we might work together!
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
In the past 30 years, I have developed expertise in Premarital Counseling. Marriage is difficult to navigate and many couples go into it without much knowledge or skill. We know that about half of all marriages will end in divorce. Research also shows us that couples who receive premarital counseling divorce about 30% less than those who do not. I feel like it's my passion to get couples off to a good start. In my sessions, and in my workshops for Engaged Couples, I am able to teach couples about the stages of an intimate relationship--from the Romantic Stage, through the Power Struggle Stage to the Mature Love Stage that they hope to find. I help them to learn Imago Therapy communication tools to resolve conflict, create a deeper connection and have a more conscious relationship. They discover the childhood experiences which contribute to their communication styles and how to heal areas of hurt and anger that could negatively impact their marriages if left unexplored. I help them to discover their specific Love Languages and learn to love their partners in the most needed and desired way. I am able to teach them the fundamentals of Interpersonal Neuropsychology and how certain chemicals play a part in our relating to one another. They learn about John Gottman's relationship research and the importance of the 5:1 ratio for positivenegative interactions, the 4 key times to connect during the day, and the danger of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
What I love about being a Couples Therapist is the belief that I am helping to heal the planet one couple at a time!
It is important for couples to work at keeping the space between them sacred. When we are not conscious, we tend to pollute the space with negativity, criticism, contempt, and poor, hurtful communication. When we honor the space, we fill it with compassion, empathy, kindness, loving words, deep listening, appreciation, loving gestures, and intimate connection. This is important because our children live in that space. They are always watching and learning from us. Children need to live and grow in sacred space to be happy and healthy. When we work on our relationships, we grow beautiful children and healthy families. In this way, we begin to eliminate many of the problems in our society. Harville Hendrix says, "We are healing the planet, one couple at a time!"
My Role as a Therapist
I am a coach, facilitator, teacher and guide. I am not there to judge, label, find pathology or fix. Together we can work to find safety and connection. When our Reptilian Brains feel safe, the Limbic System can relax and we can begin to use our intellectual and emotional intelligences to find a better way to live and love. My role is to guide you there.
