I provide individual therapy to adults and adolescents (age 13 and older). I work best with clients who are open-minded, insightful, creative, and committed to their personal growth.
While my approach works well with a variety of problem areas, I most enjoy addressing these concerns:
People who are feeling stuck or at a turning point in their lives.
People who want to shed old messages about themselves regarding self worth, body image, or shame.
Women who feel they might have “lost” themselves and are trying to find their own compass in life or redefine themselves due to divorce, empty nest or other life changes.
Teens who are struggling with managing impulsive behaviors, relationships with parents or friends and experiencing emotions like depression or anxiety.
Individuals who want to learn better communication skills, enrich their relationships, gain emotional stability in the face of stress.
Individuals who are having trouble clarifying what they most value or want out of life and want to discover insight to set meaningful life goals.
My practice is not set up to support those with severe psychiatric symptoms, or persons requiring between-session crisis intervention.
ADULTS
While there are a multitude of reasons why one would seek counseling, we are all essentially looking for a way to improve our lives and to grow into the best version of ourselves. Perhaps you are seeking to manage a life transition, reduce stress or unhappiness, clarify your goals, or improve your relationships. Through acceptance and supportive therapeutic skills, I can help you effectively express your experience, challenge your barriers (both real or imagined) and help you make the choices and changes necessary to enjoy your life in a more healthy and fulfilling way.
I respect that each of us are doing the best we can with the tools we possess at the time. Coming from a perspective that seeks to clarify your strengths rather than your deficits, I will help you build on what is already working well in your life and help you find your own best solutions to what challenges you. I will work as a partner with you, progressing at your pace, to release pain, gain insight, grow and change as you are ready. Through the work of identifying and challenging internal barriers and through the use of relaxation and "in the moment” focus, I will help you gain greater awareness of your feelings, thoughts, meaning and motivations.
TEENS
Teenagers face many of the same social stressors as adults but some aren't yet able to respond to them with healthy solutions. Teens may suffer emotional disorders (depression, anxiety, mood swings) or may exhibit their distress through unhealthy behaviors and choices (drugs/alcohol, oppositional behavior, stealing, failing classes or missing school, self-injury, suicidal gestures or attempts). Many parents find it very difficult to talk with their children at this age and feel rejected and defensive as their teens lash out at them with blame and anger. Teens, as well, are in the painful bind of wanting to be on their own/breaking free from parents and feeling abandoned if the parent complies. Adolescents often still want understanding and guidance but find it hard to communicate with parents due to their need to separate from them and become their own person.
A therapist can help bridge that gap. I help adolescents learn to be resilient, courageous, curious, and self-confident.
Please note that teens 13 and up can initiate therapy, decline therapy, and have rights to the same levels of confidentiality adults do. I may or may not encourage teen clients to disclose information to their parents. Different situations may require different approaches.