I believe psychotherapy should be self-led, engaged, compassionate, and effective. Over fifteen years of practice, I’ve become very good at helping focus the process of therapy. I can help dissolve the lingering effects of old problems by understanding you in new ways.
In fifteen years of treating mild to severe problems, including relationship and family issues, depression, stress, and trauma, I have never met two similar people. Your individuality guides how I explore underlying causes, as well as how I respond to you. There is no typical session, nor any typical approach I take. I will describe (not prescribe) what could (not should) happen.
I may start by asking you to answer background questions, to explain what you hope for from therapy, and to tell me how you would like to change your feelings, habits, or behaviors. Discussing these things may feel profoundly uncomfortable to you. Perhaps it is the first time you've voiced these thoughts about yourself. I believe in the value of expressing discomfort, so that we can both understand it, rather than burying it in empty reassurances. Your feelings may overcome you during this first session, especially if we encounter old obstacles, such as early traumas. I may try to identify emotions and thoughts that you can't find words for, and I trust that you will try to correct my errors. You may feel fatigue, a common response to a productive therapy session. Paradoxically, your thoughts may flow more clearly. Later, you may sense progress in resolving your issues.
It is important to emphasize that no session is like any other. We will work as a team of two unique individuals, and create our own alliance and experiences.