My Approach to Helping
My approach is strengths oriented and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic principals. An area of emphasis with respect to my practice is working with people who are interested in changing habits. Most "bad" habits start out as understandable responses to stress in our environment. With time, the consequences of our habits may cause us more stress than they alleviate.
Habits such as smoking, over eating, excess alcohol or drugs, (to name a few) may eventually cause guilt, depression, and anxiety or physical discomfort.
Some of our habits can take form of repeating patterns in relationships that lead to negative outcomes. Improving relationships is an area of emphasis.
More Info About My Practice
I am not on insurance panels. Many clients file with their insurance company to receive some reimbursement for the cost of my services. The amount of reimbursement they receive depends upon their policy benefits as well as their deduction requirements.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
When people often talk about wanting "to be happy", I often wonder what they mean by "happy". I find the concept of happiness that Matthieu Ricard, (a Tibetan Monk born in France), teaches to be useful. He describes happiness not as a pleasurable feeling but as human flourishing; a way of being that gives us the resources to deal with the ups & downs of life and that encompasses many emotional states including sadness. I think the purpose of psychotherapy is gain the resources to deal with the difficulties of life in a way that increases our well being.
