I incorporate multiple approaches, depending on each client’s need in the moment.  I may use a Somatic (mind-body) based approach to exploring the wisdom of our feelings.  Instead of becoming a “talking head” and going over and over one’s life stories, we’ll track the body to see what feelings, signals, memories, and images emerge from under the words.

We will interact to examine how your current thoughts affect your behaviors.  Applying a Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) approach allows my clients to shift their limiting beliefs (cognitive distortions) into more confident solutions. 

If you want to improve your mental health for the long haul, do Family of Origin work, also known as Family Systems Therapy.  Your family of origin is the people you grew up with; parents, caregivers, siblings and extended family members.  Your family of origin has a considerable impact on your development.  As many studies can attest, your family of origin helps to shape your worldview, determines how you relate to and interact with others, and has a big effect on your mental, physical and spiritual health.  Together, we will explore unresolved family of origin dynamics that may be causing chronic stress, unhealthy choices, low self-esteem, stuck emotions, and maybe even discover some beliefs that aren’t even yours.

Many of our present behaviors are influenced by our past.  Depth Psychology and Psychodynamic techniques including dream interpretation and journaling can assist in bringing our unconscious (shadow) parts to more self-awareness. My role is to provide a safe and caring environment, where we can build a healthy alliance (bond) during our designated time together.  I also believe that a healthy therapy/coaching environment should not foster long-term dependency, but rather enhance a client’s ability to learn the essential tools in becoming one’s own best therapist.

My approach to Couples Therapy is done with reverence.  Each of us is a mirror to another, especially in our most heated moments.  I help couples find their courage, compassion, and clear voices, so they can move beyond being stuck in silence, fighting, distance, blaming and resentments.  I teach individuals in couples how to be relational—learning to understand our individual responses, practicing kindness with honesty, identifying wants and needs, and making the needed changes.  These are all crucial elements needed to enhance intimacy between all types of couples, of all ages.

In addition, my professional orientation is highly influenced by my own long-term practice with 12-Step Recovery Programs and the transformational offerings by Prem Rawat, global peace educator.