Therapeutic Framework:

As a therapist, I utilize a diverse approach that acknowledges the importance of family of origin dynamics, past traumatic experiences, developmental issues, body centered issues, life transitions and spiritual concerns. My focus is to orient myself on what is positive about my client and amplify it, while shrinking pathology. My specialty is Cognitive, Brief and Behavioral therapy, which are used to empower the client, reduce symptoms and develop life skills.

My therapy style combines a variety of techniques to help my clients reach their goals: Positive Psychology, Contemplative Therapy, Family Systems, Interpersonal Therapy (developing healthy relationships), Gestalt, Existential Therapy, Cognitive Therapy (developing clear thinking), Behavioral Therapy (developing effective behavior), clinical applications of hypnosis and homework. In our sessions, I will often ask my clients to talk about their feelings and will tend to focus on the here and now. My experience has shown me that people incorporate change in a variety of ways; thus my practice includes working with individuals, couples and families. I see each person as complete and utilize each client's subjective experience and uniqueness during therapy, while making use of the client's belief systems and strengths.

Within the therapeutic process, I am goal oriented. I emphasize treatment goals and focus on skill building. I work with the client to develop resources in a strategic and systems oriented way, using action-oriented therapy. The client is expected to be an active participant in the therapeutic process. The therapy guides them to move in a focused and effective manner towards symptom reduction. The client, through awareness building, acknowledgment and adjustment, becomes able to move forward in their lives. Within therapy, clients develop coping skills that help the client to change negative thinking. This helps the client to be able to solve problems and develop good relationships with others. Emotional health improves when people learn skills that develop clarity, effective behavior and depth in personal relationships.

I work with people to help them become what they choose to be rather than remain a prisoner of their past. Letting go, learning to respond (rather than react) to the present, and beginning to move towards the future are the primary aspirations. It is my belief that we all have the ability to access all of our resources in order to resolve unfinished business and/or accomplish future goals. I work with my clients to develop the ability to think about their expectations practically. This assists clients in the process of accessing and converting their dreams into reality, thus helping clients to make meaning within their life and allowing psychotherapy to empower them to be what they choose to be.