My approach begins with a thorough assessment of the whole person. I want to learn about your current and past stressors as well as your overall health, habits, cultural background, support system, family of origin, recent changes/losses and anything else that tells the story of your life.
The relationship we build together is the foundation for therapy. Establishing a safe environment and building trust can take time. I use a client-centered approach to understand your needs, fears, hopes and goals.
I believe that we all have a basic need to feel valued and connected. From the time we are born, we seek to gain attention and connection in whatever way we can. The ability to connect with others and form close, stable relationships provides a foundation in our lives. This is what gives us a sense of hope, purpose and meaning. When we live with hope and purpose, we are more likely to strive to achieve our goals, take positive risks, feel more self-confident, and experience a more fulfilling life. I will help you explore how your relationships and life experiences have impacted your ability to connect with others and better understand the obstacles that may block this.
The family we grow up in has a significant impact on who we are as adults. When we can explore our family of origin in a safe, supportive setting, we can reflect on patterns and make conscious choices to change things that may not be working in our lives. I will help you understand how your early attachments affect your current relationships and functioning.