My approach to therapy comes out of my education and training in social work, psychology, natural sciences, history and languages. I strive to support growth and healing at all levels, including the cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual realms.
I utilize humanistic, narrative, and family-of-origin therapy models, as well as evidence based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy.
A few of the specific ideas that inform my way of thinking about change and resolving problems are:
1.The notion that it is our interpretations of our experiences, not the experiences themselves, that most deeply shape our lives;
2. The usefulness in making sense out of how problems are influencing our lives and perhaps even serving some purpose (though that may seem counterintuitive); and the willingness to reexamine ourselves, create new perspectives, make different choices, and expand our possibilities;
3. The awareness that many problems emerge from social injustice, which we can acknowledge and challenge by recognizing the ability each of us has to create change; and
4. The value of learning more about our family history and learning to remain calm and solid in the face of situations and relationships that tend to cause us to overreact and act out our unfinished business from our early family experiences.
In addition, my interest in multicultural relations and social justice in a rapidly changing global economy influences my approach to understanding the pressures facing many of us today. I strive to support equality and health at all levels of individual relationships and community.
In
addition, my own continual personal evolution toward greater acceptance,
compassion and commitment informs my therapy practice. I appreciate
the wisdom of spiritual and philosophical traditions that emphasize
the value of accepting oneself and others as we are, maintaining compassion
in the face of adversity and pain, and committing to act on the greater
principles of human evolution and actualization.