There are as many theories about how psychotherapy should be conducted as there are “schools“ of psychotherapy. I have found that all theories of human behavior and functioning are valuable and that all have something to contribute to the process of psychotherapy. I believe that the best clinical practice is an evidence-informed, eclectic model whereby the therapist adjusts to the needs of the client.
I work in both brief and longer-term models of therapy. I work with individuals, couples, families, and small groups. I strive to provide clients with an opportunity to explore their inner selves, their relationships with others, and their innate striving for wholeness, creativity, and well-being. Please go HERE to read more about psychotherapy and related subjects. While I have "specialty" in several clinical disorders, I consider myself a generalist working with a broad range of problems and issues.
In my work, I begin with a intersubjective/dynamic stance, which can translate to what’s happening “within” yourself and “between” you and others. While a great deal of my formal training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, I often make use of interventions and techniques from Gestalt Approaches, Active Imagery, Systems Theory, Narrative Therapy, Object Relations, Self-Psychology, Feminist Theory, as well as the Cognitive Sciences (CBT). Given the recent growth of our understanding of the brain and behavior, I strive to be informed of the treatment implications of brain research. By association, I make use of mind-body connections, especially in encouraging clients to have life balance and to practice loving self-care (exercise, diet, and rest/relaxation).
I strive to adjust my skills and interventions to the needs of my client rather than try to fit my client into some predetermined theory or clinical perspective. Despite the importance of theory, I believe psychotherapy is centered on the therapeutic relationship itself--which is designed to provide respect, support, confidentiality, and the gentle challenge to grow and thrive.
