About My Practice
My work is rooted in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and family systems theory in a combination tailored to the needs of my patient. I am committed to helping individuals and families identify the least drastic means to achieve the most durable change. Psychotherapy is most practical when grounded in a psychodynamic understanding of the person-in-community. Each of us has a history, a dream for the future, and the task of maintaining a sense of well-being in the present, in the place where we live. The past is important to understand for it is the crucible that forms our identity, our hopes, and our fears. The future is important in providing direction to our present actions.
In the words of one of my teachers, Nicholas Hobbs,
" life is to be lived now. . .
feelings should be nurtured. . .
a person should know some joy in each day."
Psychotherapy research has shown that a trusting relationship between patient and therapist is essential for constructive conversation. I want my patient to go away with a sense of well-being and the confidence to seek professional help in the future if needs arise.
Individual Psychotherapy
Adults seek psychotherapy when depression, anxiety, grief, or relationship conflicts capture energy, drain pleasure from the day and hope from the future. Anxiety and depression may be severe. Trauma responses to recent events or long ago experiences create painful maladaptive patterns that impact work and home life. Psychotherapy can be very useful in understanding and overcoming these threats to happiness and to a fulfilling life.
Couples: Partners, Friends, Lovers
Couples seek therapy together when they share a wish to improve the quality of their intimacy or to manage an unexpected crisis.. An argument, betrayal, or lack of communication and connection leads one or the other to demand action. The first few sessions may deal directly with the precipitating event, but successful work often requires identifying the underlying norms in the relationship that no longer work, if they ever did, and a co-created path forward toward a new basis for relationship.
Adolescents
Adolescence is an amazing period of growth, but popular culture is not always a friend to this process. Time flies. So much feels urgent and the wisdom of adults is often distrusted or rejected. There are times when psychotherapy can assist in developing self-awareness, learning to trust, and gaining confidence about the future. Parents may be legally entitled to some information about the therapy. I realize that many issues require family members to be involved in the therapy. I will discuss with a minor and parents what information is appropriate for them to receive and which issues are more appropriately kept confidential.
Many adolescents have difficulties that require a team of helpers. I am committed to working closely with teachers, physicians, relatives, and other concerned adults who are important in the young person's life. Adolescent referrals for minors always begin with an initial meeting with at least one parent or legal guardian, who should make the first contact on the son or daughter's behalf.