LMFT, 32 years of experience
New to Grow
All things are interconnected. To feel better, you have to act better. To feel better, you have to think better. To think better, you have to feel better. To act better, you have to think better. To think, feel, and act better, you have to care for your physical health. To care for your physical health, you have to think, feel, and act better. Each has a corresponding effect on the other. However, the aspect of ourselves that we have the most direct control of is what we do, our acting. While we can influence other people, we cannot control other people. A great source of conflict and unhappiness results from our efforts to control others. If you want better relationships, the only thing we can control is what we do, how we choose to relate. We are responsible for what we do. Others are responsible for what they do. Accepting this fundamental reality and thinking, feeling, and acting in accordance with it is how we increase our experience of power, freedom, belonging, meaning and, very importantly, fun. My professional experience includes over 30 years of post-Master’s clinical work, including leadership experience in foster care, chemical abuse and addiction, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and crisis intervention, de-escalation, and hospitalization. I am experienced in working with ages three through the elderly. I have worked extensively with youth and families, diverse populations and life issues, providing services in various settings, including family homes, schools, juvenile detention facilities, jails, outpatient clinics, and inpatient psychiatric facilities.
I work in a variety of modalities with an emphasis on present experience to help people develop a greater sense of control of their lives. The first session is intended for each client to identify concerns, issues, and symptoms they may be experiencing, along with their reasons for seeking therapy. I will provide information and feedback and introduce key concepts and establish mutually agreed upon goals.
I work with a variety of client populations, e.g. ages, gender, life situations, and mental health issues. One typical takeaway from sessions is people understanding what they can and cannot control, and by focusing more on what they can control, experiencing a reduction in feelings associated with depression and anxiety, improving relationships, making healthier decisions, and experiencing a greater sense of freedom and control.
All people want to experience more control of their lives and better satisfy their psychological needs.
I use a mixture of Existential, Gestalt, and Reality Therapy. I utilize concepts and techniques from other modalities and philosophies.