My approach

My work is insight-oriented with an experiential and interpersonal focus. While I have been influenced by humanistic, psychodynamic, interpersonal, existential, and experiential approaches to psychotherapy, I have developed my own way of understanding and helping people.  I also believe mindfulness and spirituality can sometimes play a part in psychotherapy.

I generally don’t think of people in diagnostic terms.  People develop approaches to their lives that are more or less useful. I’m interested in my patients finding a personally meaningful way of approaching life.  Significant change takes place on an emotional level and involves reworking the way we feel. If we could think our way out of problems, change would be easy. Insight is often important and I believe it is better to see clearly than try to force a sense of optimism.

I am generally non-directive although suggestions can be helpful at times. My work is directed toward ending self-criticism, creating satisfying relationships, and resolving conflict. Suffering and self-defeating patterns are often connected to despair, alienation, depression, anxiety, dependency, trauma, and a multitude of addictive behaviors. Survivors of childhood abuse and other individuals with a history of trauma may find that current events trigger emotional states associated with past traumas. People often need help integrating painful events into their current life.

I do not see medication as a panacea though I see no virtue in suffering. Using medication should be a personal choice. Therapy is done when you have a handle on primary problems and when it is no longer worth your time and money.

For more information on MY APPROACH see my blog.