To feel hope that things can get better is a powerful experience. It can be the beginning of finding ways to take better care of ourselves and give ourselves the gift of kindness, compassion. Many people have made changes with the support of therapy they didn’t know they could make. I believe there is so much to learn about ourselves, our relationship partners, the family we grew up with and our current family members. Understanding more about ourselves and others is an education in itself and I think understanding and awareness are paths to a richer, more meaningful life. Relationships are complex and we can get stuck in unhealthy, counterproductive patterns, ones that are hurtful and destructive, and miss out on the happy relationships we yearn for. I like to be an educator and teach others different ways to talk to our partners, and to become more aware of our emotions and behavior. It can be exciting to learn new ways and get success. We don't have to be deprived the the kind of life we want. Often people wonder why they diidn’t seek out counseling/psychotherapy earlier.  My education and experience tell me that relationships are important and that we need close relationships and meaningful connections with others to thrive. Rejection and abandonment are common human experiences that traumatize all of us. As a result, it can be difficult to have relationships with others. Looking at losses and understanding how we have been influenced by traumatic events and loss can bring changes in how we treat ourselves. IN THE SESSION I concentrate on listening, on understanding what the experiences of the person coming in for help have been like, what is important for that person, what it feels like to start/be in a therapy session, if there is fear of opening up, what has occurred when the person has tried to talk about fears, feelings in the past or in other situations, etc. I am aware that a person may be afraid of starting therapy or opening up and sharing and may struggle with trust in general. I try to understand how that person has felt. My work is characterized by optimism, enthusiasm, humor, and empathy. I like the work I do very much.

​Confidentiality is observed during all sessions.