How? By discovering
hidden resources, feelings, dreams and talents. By learning new
skills. The fact is, we are changing all the time. I believe
therapy or counseling can accelerate the change process.
Why? Because the old
solutions aren't working anymore. Because we are older, more
mature, and want to move on. Because it occurs to us that new
clothes, or an expensive vacation, or a drink, or a different
lover doesn't really change anything. Because we have that nagging
fear that our children may not fulfill their potential, or that we
are repeating an old, unwanted pattern in our relationships.
Because we want more out of life. Because we want to feel better
than we do now.
When? When we feel truly
respected, listened to and understood. When we feel like
what we are doing, feeling, and talking about will not be
condemned. And sometimes, when we feel there is no hope yet also
believe in our hearts that there must be hope, somewhere. When we
have that gut sense that now is the time to do something, and that
we don't have to do it alone.
Respect.
Reliability.
Consistency. These are the cornerstones
of my approach to treatment. I was originally trained in what is
known as the "client-centered" and psychodynamic approaches to
counseling and psychotherapy. I approach each client as a unique
individual; my first objective is to see your world as you
do.
As a result, I do not use
"formulas" or "treatment manuals." I do not believe in a "one
treatment fits all" approach that makes you feel like you are on
an assembly line; I seek to discover what will work especially
withyou.
I do not push medications. I do
not push cognitive-behavioral therapy on every client just because
a managed care company believes this to be the only
"cost-effective" approach. I don't report to case managers who
enter details about your private life into a company computer. I
provide truly private services.
I am deeply and sincerely moved
by the therapeutic encounter. I have been around long enough to
know that everyone engages in the change process in their own,
unique way. I am used to dealing with difficult, "dark," and even
shameful experiences and behaviors. To me, counseling and
psychotherapy are an incredible journey, often yielding wonderful,
unexpected results...sometimes right away, sometimes
later.
I have been in independent
practice since 1983. For over 20 years my practice has been
selective and small by some standards, but this has been my
conscious choice. I am here for you.
