For 15+ years I have helped families heal wounded relationships by trying out different ways of communicating with (and listening to) each other. I have helped individuals break free from old patterns and experience relief, growth & clarity. Hiring a counselor who is a good fit for you is important. I want to help you make an informed "hiring" decision, and then work hard to help you create changes that are meaningful to you.
I am here to learn how to be helpful to my clients. Some are looking for practical solutions to parts of their lives that feel difficult or stuck; some are trying to understand themselves better in order to make changes and feel better; and some just need to start thinking out loud with a professional helper who will not judge them, and build from there.
I believe that we are all shaped by our attachment (specifically attachment theory) experiences, and that increasing our insight about our past experiences empowers us to create experiences (and relationships) that are different, and free from the old patterns. There are also many types of trauma that people have been through, which may have never been identified but are still having an impact. Some are more interested in working on this level, but it's also okay to focus more on practical solutions.
Helping people identify their strengths is another important process I bring to the table, because most of us have a hard time seeing our own strengths clearly, yet they are always important to call on when we want to change something in our lives.
The people I work for (including couples and families) should expect to feel heard and supported throughout each session, but not judged, criticized or labeled. If they are interested in hearing my thoughts, concerns or suggestions, I will humbly share those, with a clear understanding that I may not have enough information yet to have valuable input or fully comprehend a situation. I think that people usually feel some sense of relief, and hopefully a little curiosity, after we talk about their challenges, strengths and goals. I try to give my clients a sense that I am getting the details, holding space for them to examine whatever they bring, and providing continuity from one session to the next. I don't like the word "homework," but sometimes I will give my clients a challenge to complete before the next session that is related to their goals.
