Psychotherapy is about exploring your feelings and experiences, both past and present, in order to achieve a deep understanding of your current situation. We often discover that the feelings in our current relationships echo those from the past. Identifying and expressing those emotions within the therapeutic relationship is key to changing patterns of relating. Our work may also involve recognizing fears or other internal barriers that prevent you from achieving your goals. Understanding “how I got here” can be the way to begin on a new path.
Therapy is a joint endeavor. The therapist’s role is like that of a mountain climbing guide: the therapist knows how to climb a mountain, what equipment to use, how to deal with ice or rock, when to push forward and when to proceed with caution. Each client is like a unique mountain.
My role is to provide a safe environment, in which you can explore your inner world, with my guidance. I encourage clients to be curious about their inner experience, rather than judging themselves. While being a good listener is a key therapeutic skill, it is also important to know when and how to intervene. I actively engage with my clients, helping them identify feelings and meanings related to their experience. I offer empathy, support, validation and help you to recognize patterns in how you relate to yourself and others, and sometimes, provide another point of view. At times, the best thing I can do is to stay silent so a client has the space to process his/her emotions.
While clients sometimes seek advice or guidance, I find that the most satisfying results come from helping them to more fully know their own mind. Our choices may be influenced by feelings and meanings that we don’t recognize. While I don’t provide answers for my clients, they may emerge through our work together.
We typically meet for an initial consultation, during which I will ask about the problem that brings you to therapy, and your background. If we both feel that we are a good fit to work together, we will schedule regular sessions.