My interest in counseling developed early, as I always knew that I wanted a job that would have a direct positive impact on others. I have practiced in a variety of settings, including college counseling centers, inpatient psychiatric units, the active military, and VA clinics. I ultimately chose to open a private practice so that I could do what I am trained to do: Focus on the needs of the client rather than the needs of an organization or bureaucracy. Still, I draw upon my prior work experiences to inform my current practice, and I welcome discussion with clients to determine what type of approach may have worked for them previously and what they now hope to gain from our work together.
During our first session, I will ask what concerns prompted you to seek counseling, so I have a sense of what you'd like to work on. I will also ask questions about your background and current life.
I have been a counselor for 30 years, and have practiced in a variety of settings. As such, I bring a wealth of experience to my work.
I work best with adults who are open to considering how their current behaviors and attitudes impact their experiences; clients who externalize or blame others for their current problems generally do not make much progress. While life certainly throws us "curveballs" and we cannot choose our families of origin, we can learn from our experiences and how to move forward in a positive way. The process of therapy is about introspection and a consideration of what attitudes and behavior patterns may have worked for us in the past in order to survive a dysfunctional family or traumatic experience but are no longer helpful. Therapy is about developing a sense of agency and learning to create the life you want despite past adversity or
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is an efficient form of therapy that helps clients develop the tools to manage symptoms for concerns such as depression, anxiety, or phobias.
Psychoanalytic
I have been trained in psychodynamic theory, and often draw from this model as I explore a client's past, and what behavior/thought patterns were adopted that are no longer useful.