fortunately people often have the misconception that psychotherapy is admitting failure - that you are unable to work out your own problems or just for crazy people. However we are never taught the skills we need in relationships, how to process feelings about past events or make changes in our lives that will get us beyond a frustrating situation. Life and psychotherapy are processes. I feel that therapy is a process through which healing occurs and we discover meaning and purpose through which we can become who we potentially are. There is no one right answer, there is only your answer that therapy can help you to discover
As a therapist I believe that deep inside every being is an innate wise core Self that can help one reach their potential. But often we are too distracted by our external environment to hear the voice of the Self or the Soul. In therapy it is important to address the whole person. I look for the potential in each person and help him or her to see it in as a beacon toward which to grow. Changing behavior is important, but I believe that change comes from the inside out. We need to believe in ourselves, our potential and find meaning and purpose in life that motivates us toward greater awareness, greater participation in life and greater appreciation of the opportunity life offers us for growth and fulfillment.
I feel it is important to integrate spiritual beliefs into everyday life so that we act in relationships in a way that is consistent with what we believe and that we live our lives by the philosophy of our souls. This is important to our happiness and health and when we nurture our souls we contribute to the well being of family, friends, the workplace, society and our planet. Trauma, abuse and violence where trust and safety have been violated affect one’s ability to have and sustain relationships that are satisfying and nurturing. I work with victims of crime and abuse that is physical, sexual, verbal and emotional. I also work with serious illness, death and dying and grief and bereavement. I work with ages 5 and up and address relationship problems within families, couples and groups in therapy.
The first appointment is an assessment. It is where I get to know what kind of symptoms and problems you are having and we start setting goals. Setting goals keeps us on track with what it is you want out of therapy. I may immediately give you tools that will help you get the most out of therapy and help you with symptoms and the processing of emotions.
I don't automatically start probing your childhood until we see that the behavioral changes are not enough. I do not push taking medication. If you, the client wants medication I will either send a fax to your physician or refer you to a psychiatrist. I will want you to consider medication if we have worked together a while and there is no changes for the better. Or if you are not functioning in your life, unable to get out of bed, unable to concentrate well enough at work or school, etc. I like to start therapy starting on the surface, with behavioral changes. Then if for some reason the behavioral changes are not working then we need to look a little deeper into your psyche and your past. We will only go as deep into your past as it is necessary to achieve your goals.