Philosophy

I am a person-centered therapist. I believe in empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness. I will never be someone that I am not and I will always really listen. So when you come in for counseling, expect me to be myself—friendly, warm, outgoing and dynamic. I am not the therapist that leans back and nods their head for 50 minutes saying “mhmm”. I will engage you. I continue to work on slowing down and being very curious (you’ll see that phrase written on my whiteboard in my office) because I can start to get excited out how well we are putting the puzzle together. 

**A Quick Note on Confidentiality** This is the room where so many stories live and stay. I like to think my office is cozy and warm. Moreover, it’s quiet and private. Your story stays with me (a very sacred idea to me) forever. While I am mandated reporter and must report if I think you or someone else is in imminent danger, I take confidentiality very seriously. I will not be discussing your case with anybody without your permission. Since I do not work with insurance companies, no one will have access to my notes.

I’m a big believer in that therapy serves as a vessel to better self-understanding. It’s hard to love things that we don’t understand. So, while we will certainly talk about, address and treat any symptoms you might be having, there will always

be the red thread of self-understanding. When you begin to use your story to understand yourself better, you’ll be able to love, hold and cherish yourself. Think about it like this:

There is a part of you, deep-down, that feels: hurt, inadequate, shameful, alone, betrayed, sad, etc.

There is another part of us that copes with our deep pain: substance, yoga, isolating, therapy, cutting, negative self-talk, etc.

By not confronting those deep feelings, they might manifest as: anger, sadness, racing thoughts, anxiety, etc.

So, we will explore (through your story… OUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOL in your therapy) what is really hurting and how it’s manifested in your day to day life and how you’ve coped. 

From there, I’ll ask invite you to compassion and love for yourself. Because, really, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve just been hurting. And hurting people cope because humans are experts at being out of pain. Hurting people do NOT need punishment; rather—compassion, love, empathy, positive regard, etc.  

**Think about this as “Pulling the Weed” rather than “Trimming the Weed”. 

This might sound simple. The reality is that it’s hard work. I will employ a variety of different counseling strategies to help serve as your guide. My job is to offer you immense support while also helping you confront whatever it is that needs confrontation (in the most loving and gentle way possible). I will be there every step of the way. 

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