***Now accepting new clients. A lifelong student of human behavior, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Pychology in 1993, and a Master's of Counseling Psychology degree in 2004. Through the years I have studied areas like vagus nerve impact on health outcomes, trauma resolution, meditation and mindfulness practices and the effects of nature and sound on phisiology. I am an integrative practitioner, using a multi modal orientation to understand you as a complete being. I draw from Attachment theory, Family Systems theory and Adverse Childhood Experiences research to identify early life challenges. I find the Gottman method and Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy useful with many couples who want to attend sessions together, and more exploratory frameworks such as Humanistic and Transpersonal theories useful for solo growth and development. In session I have a collaborative style that is informed by both intuition and 3 decades of studying various evidence based approaches. We will identify your strengths, your concerns, your interests and goals and then make a plan. After defining the areas of your life you wish to work on, I will accompany you on your path toward your highest and most healthy self as a guide and resource for support when it is growth oriented. We will stop where you choose to stop, whether it is with the immediate problem/s resolution or continuing into a more complex and transformational understanding of Self, and where that may lead you.
In our first session, we will talk about the reason/s you are seeking therapy. I will be listening for things that will help me narrow down any areas that may need priority attention and together we will make a plan of how to go about your journey into healing what you choose to heal. I may ask questions to fill in any parts that we need to make a complete picture, or to clarify your goals, and we will close with an idea of what comes next. I don't assign homework between sessions becasue I have found that much of the processing of material from the session happens in the days between. I may recommend books or other media sources for certain areas along the way.
I have found that almost everyone benefits from learning how to be more present and how to regulate one's own unique nervous system. In today's world, we can easily get triggered into survival instincts, or stuck in emotional and psycholgical wounds from the past that haven't been fully processed. I prefer to gain an understanding of how your early developmental influences shaped things about you like self concept, trust and communication. Then we can look at how those things have impacted your relationships with parents, children, co workers, spouses, and friends as well as how they have played a part in many other choices you have made in your life. Gaining new a perspective begins with understanding the one you have first so you can choose what to change and accept what is not in one's control. Learning and practicing nervous system regulation methods as needed will open up increased motivation, inspiration, clarity and confidence. You will develop an understanding of and ability to make choices in more awareness and intention, with a calm mind and body.
I love working with people who feel stuck, or are experiencing life transitions or uncertainties about career or relationships, or family dynamics, and those who want to explore their past and present to create a better future for themselves, as well as people who want to grow spiritually and learn more about the holistic nature of being human with a body, mind and soul to care for. This is a liminal time; this time of your life of searching for a wayshower and guide. You feel like you need healing and you will learn exactly how to provide that for yourself. This step can feel daunting, but it is really quite simple and there are no wrong decisions on our learning journey here. This is the time to begin to trust your inner guidance. If your soul has work to do with me, you will feel it.
Other specialties
I identify as
Attachment-based
We learn our basic relating styles from our earliest relationships; those with our primary caregivers. We can learn a wealth of infomation from the type of attachement we had as infants and young children when we were vulnerable and dependent, and apply that insight to where we can grow in our relationship expectations and boundareis as adults.
Couples Counseling
I have studied various approaches to couples work and find it most helpful to start with the couple together, have individual sessions as they become needed, and come back together in couples sessions to grow together. This pattern may have to be repeated several times based on the issues being addressed.
Grief Therapy
We all grieve differently, and the journey through grief is of utmost importance to our healing on many issues. Grief can spill over into work, relationships, and health issues if not worked with correctly. I help you look at your grief on your own timetable, and with various methods such as dream work, bibliotherapy, narrative therapy and art homework.
Mind-body approach
There is no health without mental health. Our thoughts and the accompanying emotions and therefore perspectives interact with our physical health in a feedback loop. We can make ourselves sick or heal ourselves with practices such as mindfulness and other forms of meditation, as well as improve our mood and perspective using diet and excercise.
Hypnotherapy
I am a certified hypnotherapist and can lead you through habit cessation or formation , weight loss, improve focus, improvement in self esteem and sleep with reasearch backed techniques. Hypnosis is not something that can happen if you do not wanbt it to. It is a state of deep relaxation and self talk that is guided with words that we design together based on your goals.