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If you are interested in the nuts and bolts of how therapy works, I have prepared this brief summary of my approach to psychotherapy. If any questions come up for you as you read this, please don't hesitate to ask for further information.
My practice is an integrated strengths-based approach that includes solutions focused, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral techniques, among others. By identifying and building upon our strengths, we can find ways to untie the knots that appear in our lives. Often, we hold our motivations and values deep within our psyche, and we don't always fully understand them. They are discoverable, though, which can be a goal of therapy. As a result we can learn ways to behave that are consistent with a new understanding of self, and that make us feel better, since our emotions are tightly connected to our thoughts and behaviors. We can learn what we value most, how we make meaning of life, and how we can move forward.
I believe in a recovery orientation to counseling, rather than a treatment orientation. That is, my philosophy is that each of us is on a personal journey in life that involves identifying (and in some cases, uncovering) our greatest gifts; learning to utilize them and to remove the obstacles that block their manifestation; and moving toward greater peace and a sense of joy, connectedness, and being of service to those around us. It is an ongoing process, rather than an episodic series of discrete events. Therefore, learning to manage stress or anxiety, deconstructing perfectionism, and opening one's heart to the experience of oneself and others, are all processes that facilitate the primary goal of living a good life.
As a therapist, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional clinical and consulting services. My goal is to enhance the life of each individual I see by asking them to become partners in their own care, and then providing high-quality, scientifically based, confidential psychological services in a timely and efficient manner. This process assures strong and measurable clinical results.
I understand that each person has different needs, talents and interests. Therefore, I tailor my approach on an individual basis. I assess and treat unhealthy or rigid ways of thinking, feeling and behaving that are having a negative effect on clients' lives, and I empower growth toward wholeness, physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and communally, by helping them:-
Enliven their minds.
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Revitalize their bodies.
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Name, claim, feel and act upon their emotions properly.
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Deepen and vitalize their relationship with God (or Higher Power).
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Renew and enrich their intimate relationships.
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Deepen their relationship with nature.
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Grow in relation to the significant institutions in their lives.
Each new client receives a comprehensive clinical intake assessment and is assisted in setting realistic treatment goals. I regularly review the client's progress. If necessary, I can refer clients to outside services.
Sessions take place in my office in the Parish Center at St. Louise Church.
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