Approach
The process of therapy is unique to each individual. To tailor our work together toward what is most helpful to you, I draw from a number of approaches. Schools of thought that influence my therapy work include cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, relational, feminist-multicultural, and emotion-focused therapies, as well as self-compassion and mindfulness.
During a therapy session, I am an active participant in the process, bringing genuine presence, empathy, and validation. I believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a safe space to experience and explore emotion. I also view the therapeutic relationship as a means of identifying and exploring relational patterns that exist both inside and outside of the therapy room.
As my client, I view you as the expert of your own experience. My role is as a collaborator in the therapy process, actively listening for themes and patterns, asking questions to encourage self-exploration, and (with curiosity, respect, and perhaps some humor) challenging unhelpful or “stuck” patterns in thoughts and behaviors. Trauma, loss, life transitions, dysfunctional relationships, and other stressors can cause emotional pain that is hard to manage alone and that can be an obstacle in the way of truly understanding oneself.
Developing greater insight into yourself and your experiences is the first step in: (1) accepting yourself as you are right now, and (2) experimenting with new ways of being.
My goal for our work together is to progress toward respect and acceptance of the experiences you have had and the person you are now, while also enhancing self-awareness and coping styles in a way that empowers you to find ever more ease and satisfaction in your life.