I believe every individual who comes through my office door has significant skills and abilities to face their concerns.
The process of change in therapy can vary depending on a client’s unique worldview and strengths. For most clients, the first step in creating desired change is increasing their awareness of themselves and their concerns. Utilizing various evidence-based interventions, I explore with clients ways to help them make changes in their behaviors and thoughts to address their concerns, while developing a plan of action that they can incorporate into their lives outside of their psychotherapy sessions. Between therapy sessions, clients can experiment with implementing changes in their daily lives. When clients return for subsequent sessions, we discuss what they have experienced in their environment and relationships while practicing new thoughts and behaviors. Together, we make meaning out of their new experiences, revisit their plan of action and revise it when necessary. Throughout the therapy process, I want clients to provide me with feedback about their progress to be able to tailor their therapy sessions to best meet their needs.
Depending on their progress toward their goals, alterations in their therapy sessions may be needed and alternative therapeutic interventions may be utilized. If necessary, referrals to specialists may be recommended.
The therapeutic relationship is an important aspect of the change process and I focus on creating a supportive, affirming environment for clients to explore their concerns, thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Each client’s psychotherapy experience is a collaborative endeavor. Together, with my education and training and a client’s experience and knowledge of themselves, we co-create the change they seek and work to empower them to realize their goals and live a more fulfilling life.
My theoretical orientation is Solution-Focused Therapy with influences from Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy.