My Counseling Philosophy

Each person is different and brings with them experiences that are unique to their life, career, and family circumstances. In order to provide high-caliber therapy, an individualized assessment is necessary. An excellent assessment draws from more than one therapeutic approach and occurs within the first four sessions, in which history is gathered to help identify the problem and to understand what you want from therapy. 

A therapeutic approach core to my practice is known as Family Systems Therapy, which enables me to understand you in the context of the family influences that have played a role in shaping how you understand life. This is also known as epistemology, or what I call "how do you know what you know, about what you know."

I want to understand Why and How you have come to believe what you do and begin to unpack deeply held beliefs that have held you back in your career and significant relationships. I explore the beliefs you hold that have contributed to your successes and failures. Secondly, understanding the role that problem-maintaining behaviors have played in your life is important for me to understand you (and your partner or family members if you are seeking therapy with them). Sometimes there are elements to your beliefs that should not be discarded and are central to what makes you who you are, and that is what I try to discover.

If you are seeking addiction counseling, I know that you have already come a long way in your substance abuse journey and are hurting. The last thing you need is a therapist to apply a cookie cutter approach and push you to AA. The most effective and productive approach I have found over my 30-year career as a therapist is one of curiosity and appreciative inquiry in order to more fully appreciate Why you have turned to addictive behaviors to cope. The question is, to cope with What?  These questions and more are explored through the initial assessment and during the course of therapy.

I offer individual, couples, and family counseling services in my private office for adults and teens. My approach to therapy is direct, pragmatic and casual in nature.  Most of my clients are high achievers, driven and intense in personality.  With multiple demands and pressures, having a place to relax with a therapist who will challenge you through curious inquiry and a coaching approach can be transformational as you gain even more insight and understanding about yourself and your relationships.  I strive to remain objective and nonjudgmental, which in turn encourages deep reflection and self-disclosure. I encourage your curiosity and natural exploration to bring out things that are difficult to discuss, examine issues together and work to find resolution, identify changes that need to be made and move on.