Individual Therapy

The initial session with a client consists of a thorough evaluation in collaboration with the client to determine the immediate issue which brought about the desire for counseling.This includes a family history, which explores family of origin characteristics which may have contributed to the present problem, whether it be anxiety, depression, or addiction.The evaluation also includes an extensive personal history of relationships, illnesses,career history, and prior experiences with psychotherapy. During the initial evaluation I also discuss with clients what psychotherapy and recovery are all about and what is expected of them in the process. If it appears that medication might be of assistance, I assist the client in seeking out the appropriate professional.

In the ongoing therapy I encourage clients to work collaboratively as we explore patterns that clients have continually replayed which have become outmoded. Though these coping mechanisms may have served the client well at one time, we explore together how they now contribute to problems such as depression, anxiety, marital and family discord,panic, stress, parenting issues, and a general lack of enthusiasm for life.

Once we have explored together the recurring patterns in one’s life we can then look todevelop skills that will lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. While some issues can be dealt with in short-term psychotherapy, in other cases clients benefit by long-term psychotherapy in order to truly make effective changes in their behavior.

Couples Therapy

The initial session with a couple is aimed at determining the major issues which brought them to therapy and cause discord and unhappiness, perhaps depression. I explore withthe couple each of their families of origin in order to determine how issues there might have continued in the present generation. I work with the couple both together and individually in order to explore areas which might be particularly stressful. I encourage couples to look at their partners as sources of healing and work with clients in looking at how they compensate for each other’s limitations. Couples therapy is informed and enhanced by the ideas of Harville Hendrix.