Beliefs About People

I believe that all people are inherently good and capable. I am of the perspective that the mind is naturally comprised of various "parts" that have taken on protective roles in response to past difficulties or trauma. These behaviors were often genius adaptations to challenging situations but may no longer serve us in the present. We get bogged down in problem stories that reinforce the behaviors, feelings, or thoughts that are troubling us. The good news is that we have the capacity to overcome our challenges. My role is to support you to discover or rediscover the resources you already have to face obstacles and meet your goals.

Influences

I counsel from a holistic perspective that incorporates a number of different approaches but primarily relies on narrative and internal family systems foundation. The Narrative approach emphasizes the role that our outer context - family, friends, work, etc. - plays in shaping the stories that we tell ourselves and then reauthoring those stories to highlight personal strengths. Internal Family Systems, on the other hand, emphasizes our internal experiences and the need for balance to achieve inner peace and deal with problems. Depending on your needs and preferences, we may lean on either or both of these approaches. I also like to draw on the healing power of nature. If therapy in nature is of interest to you, we may be able to arrange a walk and talk.

What you can expect during our sessions

During sessions, you can expect to encounter thoughtful questions about your experiences, delivered at a slow and measured pace, while we attempt to rediscover those parts of your story that empower you and make space for positive change. This isn’t always easy. I provide traditional talk therapy where I encourage self-reflection and inner-dialogue that can sometimes be challenging. Some may feel that their needs have been met after a only a few sessions while, for others, therapy may take months or even years to reach a successful conclusion.