Approach

My approach to psychotherapy grows out of my belief that human beings are, first and foremost, relational creatures. All of our experiences are shaped by important relationships, particularly our early relationships with our parents/caregivers. Patterns of relating to oneself and others that may have been protective and adaptive earlier in life may be unhelpful or limiting now. You may find yourself repeating the same unhelpful patterns – in your relationships, at work or school, or in how you think and feel about yourself – but you don’t seem able to change them. Or you may see and worry about patterns that your child or teenager is developing, and not know how to help them.

Therapy helps children, teenagers, and adults find relief from emotional pain, increase flexibility and resilience when facing life challenges, improve their relationships, and increase life satisfaction. Developing an empathic therapeutic relationship can be transformative and healing. I encourage you to share what you're thinking and feeling. I listen, ask questions, reflect, and give feedback. When working with children, this communication often takes the form of play. Together we work to make meaning of experiences that may have previously felt incomprehensible or overwhelming.