My approach to psychotherapy

Unless I am incorporating EMDR into a session, I generally take a non-directive, unstructured approach to psychotherapy - I will not be setting agendas for sessions, nor will I be telling my clients what to discuss in session.  I am interactive, direct (but not directive), and at times, will gently challenge clients when clinically appropriate.

I find that my approach to therapy tends to be a good fit for people who desire change and are looking to gain insight and understanding about themselves so they can feel better equipped to make needed changes that have previously been difficult to make.  I find that I am not a good fit for clients that are only looking for skills to manage symptoms, are hoping for "quick fixes,” or just want some support and a place to “vent.”

In less clinical terms, I often find that my areas of clinical focus and approach to psychotherapy can benefit people who may identify with any of the following:

  • people-pleasers

  • perfectionists

  • feel responsible for other people’s feelings (often at the sacrifice of your own feelings); put other people’s wants/needs before your own

  • experience repeated patterns in dating/relationships (e.g., co-dependent tendencies, always picking the “wrong” person to date; getting involved in relationships that start off quickly and then also fizzle quickly; ending up in relationships with people who seem very interested at first and then lose interest as things start to progress)

  • struggling to identify own feelings, wants, needs

  • have followed all the rules, checked all the boxes, may appear “successful” to others, but still do not feel content within yourself or your life

  • desire to connect with your sense of agency, take accountability and act on what is within your control