There are many brands of therapy (Psychology Today lists something like 80 different types). From my perspective a lot of them are saying the same thing in different words. I use an integrative approach, which means that I incorporate aspects of multiple theories into my clinical work. The traditions that I’m most closely aligned with are Humanistic, Existential, Psychodynamic, & Narrative therapies.
The core tenets of my philosophy are (click the cards to read the back):
We are part of a greater whole.
Each of us is a member of multiple systems of relationships (family, social, political, ecological, etc.) that shape our experience of the world in various ways. Understanding the influnce of these systems can help us go beyond asking “what’s wrong with me?” & allows us to consider the interconnectedness of our wellbeing & our environments.
We are hardwired for connection.
Human beings desire to love & to be loved, to belong, & to contribute to the community around them. So many of our emotional problems arise from the experience of being disconnected from the world around us.
Our early relationships shape how we see ourselves, others, & the world.
Attachment research shows that our relationships with early caregivers affect our basic sense of worthiness, safety, & trust. As adults we are often unaware of the full impact of these early experiences. Therapy provides a space to reflect on our history so we can show up differently in the present.
The client-counselor relationship is a space to heal relational wounds.
Receiving nonjudgmental, caring attention from a trained professional can help us correct past experiences of feeling invalidated, misunderstood, & alone. The therapeutic relationship is also a place to practice boundaries & communication skills that will help you in your day to day living.
We’re here to explore your experience, values, & goals, & to work collaboratively. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life - I’m here to guide you towards what you are looking for.
To get unstuck, we need to flip the script.
We are constantly narrating our lives. It’s easy to get stuck telling ourselves stories that are based on other people’s values & that don’t serve our best interests. I enjoy helping clients deconstruct these narratives & write new ones that support their growth & freedom.
Happiness & wellbeing are skills, not just states of mind.
Our habits and behaviors plant the seeds for our mental states. I can support you with managing the challenges in your life differently so you will have more space to breathe.
Growth comes from leaving the comfort zone.
Therapy is about more than receiving support & valdiation. My hope is that my clients will develop a greater sense of agency & responsibility for their lives as a result of our time together. With your permission, I will gently challenge you if I sense we are stuck in our work.
For all our differences, humans share the same basic needs.
We all deserve compassion, the ability to decide for ourselves how to manage our lives, & the resources we need to thrive. When others treat us as trustworthy, capable, & basically good, our innate potential to live wisely can blossom.
My approach works well for clients experiencing...
Anxiety
Trauma
Depression
Major life transitions (e.g. breakup, graduation, surgery, childbirth)
Difficulties making big decisions
Adjustment to disability
Grief & Loss
Relationship difficulties
Difficulties with assertiveness & communication
Gender & identity issues
Interalized shame
“Workaholism” and difficulties managing work-life balance