My Therapy Style

I have been practicing psychotherapy since 2009 and working in mental health since 2007. One of my core values is curiosity—a commitment to continuous learning that drew me to this profession. Through books, classes, seminars, and best of all, working with patients, I find endless opportunities to learn and grow. Therapy is a collaboration, and I’m excited to discover and understand your unique experience.

Curiosity
I take pride in being an excellent interviewer. A good interviewer doesn’t just gather information but helps the interviewee learn about themselves. Many of our beliefs operate below the surface of consciousness, quietly shaping our perceptions and behaviors. Through nonjudgmental and curious questions, we’ll work together to uncover these beliefs and explore whether they’re helping or hindering you. Self-discovery is a powerful tool, and my role is to guide that journey.

Judgment and Shame
I strive to be nonjudgmental, and if a judgment arises within me, I see it as my issue to address, not an objective truth about you. Therapy thrives on honesty, and as a therapist, I believe self-awareness is essential. I encourage open communication and invite you to provide real-time feedback about our work together. Patients who hesitate to offer feedback often discover significant growth when they do.

Shame is a mechanism of social control we often internalize from early life experiences. This internalized shame can lead to psychological defenses that persist into adulthood. In therapy, we can address these deeply rooted patterns. I won’t shame you. If shame arises during our sessions, I see it as an opportunity for growth. Together, we’ll work through it so it no longer defines or limits you.

Honesty
Radical honesty is essential in therapy—from both the therapist and the patient. At the same time, I recognize the importance of pacing. Our defenses, developed to navigate challenging experiences, deserve respect for how they’ve supported us. In therapy, we’ll explore these defenses, their origins, and whether they’re serving you today.

I strive to use language and metaphors that resonate with your unique experiences, culture, and interests. My goal is to communicate in ways that feel meaningful and relatable, allowing us to explore challenging topics at a pace that feels right for you.

Warm and Funny
Humor has always been an anchor for me through life’s challenges. Life is often absurd and unpredictable, and humor helps us navigate its complexities. My humor is never cruel or belittling. Instead, it emerges from a sense of awe and wonder at how unpredictable and strange life can be.

I’m naturally warm and approachable. I love dogs, nature, and playing with my children, and I bring this warmth into my work. My goal is to make therapy a space where you feel safe, understood, and open to growth.

Insight and Change
The “aha” moments of therapy—when connections click into place—are incredibly powerful. Insight is a crucial step, but lasting change requires action. Many of our habits are deeply ingrained, formed over years of coping with past challenges. Therapy bridges the gap between insight and transformation by developing strategies and encouraging action.

I often assign homework between sessions to help solidify new habits and foster growth. Whether you embrace homework or struggle with it, both responses are valuable. Resistance to tasks can provide deeper insights into what might be holding you back, which we can explore together.

Education
While I’m proud of my academic achievements, I’m even prouder of my commitment to lifelong learning. I’m continually expanding my knowledge through conferences, treatment manuals, therapy videos, and exploration of history, philosophy, science, sociology, and art. These interests inform my practice, allowing me to draw on diverse perspectives and tailor therapy to each individual.

Confidence and Humility
I am confident in my ability to help most clients, but I value humility and self-awareness. This balance is why I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to ensure we’re a good fit. This is an opportunity for you to share your concerns and for me to assess whether my experience matches your needs.

Therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist. If we decide to move forward, we’ll begin with a deeper exploration during your formal intake session. If not, I’m happy to help connect you with someone who might be a better match.

Use of Language
Words are powerful. I strive to use clear, accessible language tailored to your individual experiences. When I offer an interpretive summary of what you’ve shared, I treat it as a hypothesis awaiting your input. This collaborative process of summarizing and refining helps us clarify and deepen understanding.

You are the expert on your experience. I’ll do my best to understand your perspective, but I will never claim to fully know what it’s like to be you. I want to learn about your world as you see it, without imposing assumptions or biases.

Authenticity and Transparency
Therapy works best when both the patient and the therapist feel free to be authentic. While sharing your true thoughts and feelings can feel vulnerable at first, I’ll model this openness to help create a safe, trusting environment. If you ever feel discomfort or dissatisfaction during our work, I encourage you to share it. These moments often lead to breakthroughs and deeper mutual understanding.

Conflict Management
Conflict is a natural part of any honest relationship. In therapy, it’s not a problem to be avoided but an opportunity to grow. Conflicts in the therapeutic relationship can teach us valuable skills for navigating disagreements with others. My aim is never to convince you of my perspective but to deeply understand yours while sharing my own with respect and curiosity.

Personalized Approach
Every person is different, and therapy should reflect that. While I use evidence-based interventions, I collaborate with you to find what works best. If one approach doesn’t feel right, we’ll adapt. Therapy is a partnership, and your input is invaluable.

What to Expect
In therapy with me, you’ll find a space that’s warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. Together, we’ll uncover insights, develop practical strategies, and work toward lasting change. I’m here to help you grow, find meaning, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

If you’re ready to take the first step, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Let’s explore how we can work together to create the life you want.