How I practice

I am a client-centered, humanistic, existential, and very relational therapist, however I utilize varied approaches and tools in my work in response to each unique client.

Though what you are saying is important, I will also be paying attention to how you say it and what is happening in the here and now in the therapy “room”.

I meet each individual where they are, without judgement and with respect, and seek to facilitate my client’s conscious awareness of their feelings, thoughts, experiences and beliefs.

I utilize a trauma-informed lens: I have regard for— and like to facilitate my clients’ awareness of— the ways the mind, heart and body metabolize trauma and life experiences, how they often remain in a “protection/prevention” stance, and how they seek to resolve and heal trauma/experiences from the past in current situations.

I seek to facilitate my clients’ awareness of choice: choices they made in the past and choices they are currently making. Some understand this as “empowerment”, some understand this as “getting out of victimhood”, some understand this as “taking responsibility and owning my part”. This supports the idea that while we cannot control certain people, places or things, we are not helpless.

I have a friendly, direct style, and like to have a good connection with my client in session, so that there is a sense of safety, authenticity and honesty. This therapeutic relationship supports clients’ ability to be increasingly more themselves, to feel really heard, and to gain clarity about who and how they are in a positive way. Clients may then feel a sense of relief as they move from understanding feelings, experiences, behaviors and choices into healing, shifting, action, change, well-being, peace of mind, and even happiness.