“We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world”
Helen Keller
“In therapy, the therapist acts as a container for what we daren’t let out, because this is so scary, or what lets it-self out every so often, and lays waste to our lives.”
Jeanette Winterson—Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal
Making The Decision To Begin Therapy
Are you struggling with a life transition or crisis and need a safe place in which to explore your feelings of fear, loss and transformation? Perhaps, you feel anxious or depressed, and need professional guidance to understand what is at the root of the problem, as well as to learn coping-techniques such as how to regulate your emotions and calm your nervous system to diminish all of the unsettling symptoms.
Typically, when people pick up the phone to contact a therapist it is with some degree of ambivalence. Something is driving you to consider making the call and yet beginning therapy means opening yourself up to many unknown and unknowable experiences.
You may wish to address something that you are not content with-in yourself, at work, in an important relationship, and with socio-cultural issues that impact your daily life. Making a conscious decision to deal with disappointments, stressors and traumas from your childhood, to avoid replicating them in your relationships, and to begin to mend their wounds is a bold first step towards healing.
Seeking Help is the First Step Towards Healing and Growth
There are multiple reasons why people place a phone call to schedule an appointment with a psychologist, and all are valid. In my practice, often times, I hear people discount their “problem” as minute compared to “others” or to some geopolitical upheaval. They feel as if they are complaining. Seeking help, shining a light on one’s interior emotional and psychological world is a vulnerable process that takes courage.
As a psychologist, I truly believe that every person deserves to be seen, listened to and holistically understood. This kind of repair work occurs in the context of the therapeutic relationship that provides safety, attunement, the integration of research based techniques that lead to a re-processing of old wounds, greater abilities to address current conflicts, setting healthy boundaries while opening up avenues for relational intimacy, learning techniques for self-regulation, and a deepening knowledge of oneself.
Addressing The Costs and Benefits of Individual Therapy
Indeed, therapy is an investment and there are financial sacrifices. The answer distills down to a cost/benefit analysis. What is the relational, emotional, psychological and physical health toll and consequences of not attending to the reasons that bring you to this page?
The research is replete with studies that demonstrate the individual and societal toll of ignoring stressors or traumatic experiences and memories on one’s somatic/psyche/spiritual being. When therapy addresses the whole person, and moves at a safe and comfortable pace revealing insights, and processing old or new wounds, it leads to greater physical health as well as to living a more satisfying and meaningful life.
My Specialties:
I specialize in treating adults (both individual and couples), as well as older adolescents (16+). The following is a list, though not exhaustive, of the areas I specialize in treating:
- Anxiety/Phobias
- Depression
- Trauma/PTSD
- Combat Trauma (Soldiers, Linguists, Civilians)
- Relationship Concerns/Growth
- Couples Therapy (early years, transition to parenthood, intimacy, communication problems, transitions, empty nest, separation)
- Life Transitions (Separation, Divorce, Loss and Grief, Career)
- Parenting Issues (Individual and Couples)
- Childhood Abuse Recovery (Sexual, Physical Abuse or Neglect)
- Family of Origin (Understanding Dynamics, Impact on Oneself)
- Strengthening Relationships (Family, Friends and Work Settings)
- Coming Out Issues (Self, Family, Work)
- Mild to Moderate Addictions (Food, Drugs, Alcohol)
Feeling Ambivalent about Starting The Process
Feeling vulnerable or even anxious about beginning therapy is common. Who would not feel some trepidation about entering a room with a stranger to explore one’s soul? In fact, if that ambivalence were absent, it would be unusual. I am acutely aware of the layers of unspoken emotions, which people bring into therapy, from the moment they call to when they walk into –what will become–our room. Toward that end, I provide a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental environment. I will always check-in with how you are feeling, your goals in therapy, and together we will track those goals as the therapy progresses. Questions are welcome and respected.
What Can I Expect from Individual Therapy?
Individual psychotherapy is a collaborative endeavor and an unfolding process used to address family of origin issues, triggers, influences and resulting patterns. Individual therapy may address current factors in relationships, health, work, and life dissatisfaction. I will listen to your goals, and together, we will make a decision about the need for shorter or longer-term therapy.
Individual psychotherapy can be a powerful means of change, growth, re-definition and healing. It also takes hard work and a firm commitment to the process by both therapist and patient.
My Therapeutic Style
I conduct a full assessment of individual and family history, as well as medical background in order to obtain a complete understanding of your treatment needs and goals. Together, we will determine the best course of treatment. If we determine that a referral to a different or additional specialist is needed, I will do my best to offer you appropriate recommendations. I work collaboratively with other health care professionals whose treatment you are under in order to provide you with coordinated and integrated care.
My style is warm, non-judgmental, collaborative, direct, exploratory and honest. I provide a safe and supportive environment in which your therapeutic goals are honored. We will make decisions about your treatment together while I also provide my professional expertise and guidance. Individual therapy is an integrative process that often leads to greater emotional and cognitive flexibility, greater compassion towards yourself and others, and a more fulfilled, conscious and determined life.
Please Contact Me for a complementary 10-minute phone consultation or to schedule an appointment.