The First Step

Counseling is one of the most courageous commitments. That may sound extreme, but it's true. To sit in a room with another person and share your story is nothing short of brave.  I feel inspired and humbled when given the opportunity to be present and journey along with someone, working towards their goals and dreams. But, the therapeutic relationship has to be right. Because you will be putting a good deal of time, money, and energy into counseling, you should choose a counselor carefully. I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose, and hopeful about the work ahead of you. When you feel this way, you drastically increase the probability of therapy being helpful to you. Let me describe how I see our work together. My theoretical approach is both holistic and systemic – meaning that I believe nothing happens in a vacuum. Those situations that are affecting you emotionally are also affecting your body and your spirit. For that reason, we will be looking at what energizes you and what challenges you in multiple areas of your life. My work tends to be solution-focused and strength-based. I believe in the healing power of telling your story in a place of safety and acceptance. Based on your needs and level of comfort, I may integrate methods and techniques drawn from many different schools of thought including, but not limited to, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Trauma Focused Care, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral, and Rapid Resolution. The most central ideas in my work include the following:
  • Challenging and difficult times in our lives afford us opportunities to learn. If we get “stuck” viewing them merely as “problems,” it is very likely that we will repeat those difficult times over and over again and feel like a failure for doing so.
  • We all do what we do for a reason -- our choices and behavior are purposeful. Even unhealthy behavior serves a purpose.
  • We take our experiences from childhood (and the lessons we learned from those experiences) into our adulthood. Oftentimes, as adults, we need to unlearn some of those faulty lessons and relearn more effective strategies for solving problems.
  • The more time we spend focusing on “problem talk” and in "negativity" the more time we spend in the midst of the problem. Conversely, the more time we spend focusing on “solution talk” the more time we spend in the midst of the solution.
  • Understanding your brain is the key to unlocking your mind. The two are separate, yet connected.
The goal of my work with you is to help you find solutions and possibilities to lessen and relieve the challenges that you are facing. The first step is making the commitment to the process.