Treatment Specialties
Individual Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis
I practice the idea that therapy sessions and the relationship of our work is an organic process. A safe, quality place and listening to both the words and the music are two important aspects that nurture the therapeutic relationship. This allows for a collaborative experience of exploring the mind and its connections to emotional states. The goal is to develop, with therapy, the ability to incorporate what has been learned in the process and carry it on individually as a better way to maintain a stable self.
Psychoanalysis is a process involving a larger commitment of time, which allows for a deeper understanding of the self. Exploring the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind is a way to uncover disturbance; repressed conflict; and unresolved issues of trauma, fear, irrational, and uncomfortable thoughts that you may not even be aware of.
Addiction & Substance Abuse
Therapy provides a place to support and achieve sobriety and learn how to maintain it. Understanding the complicated components at the root of compulsive behavior is essential. Our sessions will directly address the stress and difficulties of coping with sobriety with recognition of the struggle to cope with addiction and the demands of living in recovery. We will develop tools for the self-management of mood disorders and emotional states such as anger, depression, and anxiety. In my approach, I work to create enough space in our alliance to allow for recognition of traumatic experiences and the fear of addressing those issues.
Relationships
Seeking joint counseling can be very difficult. Acknowledging there are problems in a relationship may feel threatening and raise fears of abandonment and vulnerability. It may be difficult to be confident that a therapist will be objective and understanding to both people and not take sides. My goal is to create a space in which both people feel safe and comfortable . There are various methods of couple counseling and one size does not fit all. While most couples struggle to communicate effectively, sometimes counseling is put on hold until a crisis necessitates it. No matter the stage of your relationship, I want to help you communicate better and work through any issues you may be facing together.
Trauma
Traumatic experiences can range from physical abuse to childhood humiliation and manifest themselves through not only the mind, but the body as well. Trauma is not always a specific event but can be traced to neglect, loss, humiliation, and/or severe upheaval. Therapy is a place to examine the parts of the mind that are hidden and understand the symptoms of trauma such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and physical agitation. We will work together to discover and explore the source while creating tools for managing the symptoms of trauma.
End of Life
It doesn’t come naturally to talk about death in a serious and meaningful way. Our brains have a great capacity to ward off frightening thoughts of the unknown and unconscious and this leaves us feeling powerless, anxious, and angry. Receiving a life threatening diagnosis is traumatic and can be destabilizing for the patient as well as for family and friends. Psychotherapy with a focus on death and dying can be extremely helpful for all concerned. A therapeutic environment will offer support throughout a perhaps rapidly evolving situation, and will support all parties coping with ongoing stress and the specific needs of the patient.