Philosophy

My approach to therapy is informed by a variety of approaches along with input from you. Below are a few guiding concepts I find helpful:

Strengths Perspective

The strengths perspective is central to the way I practice.  Essentially, this means viewing behavior as an adaptation to the environment, rather than judging a person as “good” or “bad.”  Sometimes those behaviors can be maladaptive despite their underlying motivations.  Therapy helps us uncover those motivations and find other ways to respond to our environment.  

Another component to the strengths perspective involves an emphasis on a persons’ strengths.  This means that we are not just focused on what’s wrong but also on what’s going well.  

Inherent Good

Related to the strengths perspective, I believe that we are all doing the best we can in the best way we know how, even if those ways are maladaptive.  And that underneath that, we are inherently good.  

Psychodynamic

I use a psychodynamic approach to guide clients to deeper self-awareness. This can mean exploring the past and relationships to identify patterns and beliefs.  Building on the awareness that such an approach can bring, we can then work on acceptance and change.  

Acceptance and Compassion

Self-acceptance and compassion towards self and others are keys towards connecting to our genuine and wholesome self.  

Expertise

You are the expert on yourself.  I bring the expertise on therapy.

Relationship

Studies suggest that therapy outcomes and the working alliance (the relationship between the therapist and client) are significantly related.  The client-therapist relationship is crucial for effective therapy.