My approach to counseling

I assist people to change what at first may seem unchangeable. I know this is a rather bold statement, but in my experience most people come to therapy after already trying several things to resolve what is troubling them. I can offer an objective, professional perspective on your concerns. Together, we will look at what you have already tried to do to address your concerns. We will explore your thoughts and feelings and create new ways of approaching your situation. This is very useful, particulary when it feels like you've already tried everything.

I typically begin therapy by gathering information about what brought you in to see me. This information gathering is important so that I may learn about you, those important to you, and what you want to accomplish in therapy. I may gather information about other providers such as your primary care physician, previous counselors, other care providers, and so on. I do this so that our work together compliments the care you may already receive.

Sometimes the work is very active with a lot of talking, a lot of observation (by me as well as self observation by you), and a lot of practice. Other times, the work is more reflective, focusing you: where you have been, where you are now, and where you would like to be.

Quite often, I explain what I am doing, thinking, & feeling. I will also frequently check-in with you about our work and progress. I see counseling as a team effort. It simply is not effective if only one of us is doing the work. I may assign tasks or work between our sessions together. These assignments are specially meant to fit each person.

All the while, I keep my eye on your goals. Therapy can be brief and it can be longer term. The time spent in counseling depends on your concerns, your goals, and our work together.

I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Areas of interest are:

• Successful life transitions: marriage, children, coming out, moving, divorce, career changes, retirement, aging, death of loved ones/grief
• Improving communication, assertiveness skills, self esteem
• Relationships (both straight & gay): intimacy, sexual problems, in-laws/extended family, blended families
• Parenting: adolescents/young adults, step families, children coming out
• Working with those who primarily care for others and those who may be in the public eye: clergy, public leaders, health care providers, counselors
• People in recovery -- you're clean & sober, now what?
• Overcoming: abuse, sexual molest, domestic violence, accidents/injury, sudden or dramatic changes in health/functioning

For several years, I have provided counseling and therapeutic services in a variety of settings including community counseling centers, schools, an in-patient hospital, drug & alcohol recovery centers, private practice, county child protective services, and county adult services.