How I work

Approach and Philosophy

Taking that first step toward beginning your healing journey may seem overwhelming, however it’s a step well worth the investment. It’s my hope that I can assist you in this journey by creating and maintaining a safe, nonjudgmental and consistent therapeutic relationship, which will help to promote growth, change, insight and potential breakthrough. Once this foundation is established, we will then be able to co-create goals, objectives and a clear plan to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

My therapeutic approach consists of two main theoretical orientations —- Psychodynamic Theory, & Existential Approach.   Each of these theories in psychology heavily influence how I view human behavior and therefore guide my approach.  Psychodynamic theory guides me to believe that unresolved past conflicts influence present behavior and show up in our daily lives whether we are aware of it or not.  These unresolved conflicts create unconscious thoughts, feelings and beliefs which factor into our overall mental health, and create symptoms which impact our ability to heal and grow.  Insight into these past conflicts gained within therapy is beneficial toward gaining the awareness needed to help maintain overall mental health.   

Existential Approach also heavily influences what I believe we as human beings aspire to do while living, which is to try to define and make meaning of our own experience in the world.  Many of us attempt to make sense of the events which occur in our life, and search for meaning in these events.  Through this search, changes occur both in our inner world and outer world, and we inevitably experience anxiety, doubt, and a search for identity.  During this process, transformation occurs, and we as human beings attempt to recreate our sense of self and the world.  Loss, unexpected life changes, relationship challenges, and career changes are just a few of the many circumstances which bring about a search for meaning.  Using this as a framework, I work with clients to help them increase self-awareness on how they are viewing their inner and outer world, in order to work toward making choices that best support their overall health and wellness.  

Other therapy approaches which are focused on targeting behaviors, with less focus on meaning are also utilized in my practice, and are used depending on the need and presenting issues of any client I encounter.  Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy are typically used in order to target behaviors that a client is looking to reduce over time.