Philosophy and Approach

The decision to explore one’s interpersonal or internal world through psychotherapy, is often a courageous step. My primary intention is to help clients discover more compassion for themselves, lessen shame-based thinking and behavior, and encourage genuine friendliness and sense of ease to develop from within.

The approach I take with you will be largely dependent upon what you, as the client, wish to understand more fully. In our work together, I will help you look at how your current life situation mirrors earlier relationships and circumstances. Together, we will see what from your past supports and encourages you, and what hinders you from being the person you are in your deepest heart.

As understanding grows, our view of the world tends to become more spacious. When there is more room to think and be, we often feel more choice and less habitual thoughts, feelings and behaviors determining our actions.

Underlying all difficulties, the work revolves around a basic assumption that we are continually provided with opportunities to free ourselves from that which obscures and limits joy in our lives.

Our work together will assist you in turning your attention toward greater self-awareness and respect for yourself. As we come to know ourselves more fully, we can respond more fully to life and its demands, challenges and opportunities.

For my background and theoretical approach, see Background and Experience.

People I work with often have these concerns:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Relationship challenges
• Sexual or physical abuse histories
• Life transitions, including:
  • Grief and loss
  • Family life-cycle concerns – Leaving home, starting a family, mid-life concerns, caring for aging parents, separation and divorce, and end-of-life passages.