My Approach

My therapeutic orientation can best be described as integrative psychotherapy, which brings together the cognitive, psycho-emotional, body, energetic, and behavioral aspects of a client, with an awareness of the social and transpersonal contexts of which a client is a part.

My approach to therapy is based in my view that the natural state of each human being is one of health and strength. I also come from a perspective that a person exists within a system and a system exists within the person. The struggles and issues that you bring to work on in therapy are a part of your experience, but not who you are. Working together we find ways to tap back into that natural state, while discovering and practicing new ways of being in the world. I do firmly believe (and research supports) that the therapeutic relationship is key to effective therapy and paying attention to that interpersonal relationship is a large focus of my work with clients. Therapy may involve talking, experiential exercises, skills development to master your own system, movement, mindfulness exercises, play, and even homework.

My main therapeutic training is in mindfulness, energy psychology, Gestalt, body-based, person-centered, and transpersonal theories. The way I work with clients is heavily influenced by brain and body-based research and study. I am currently studying Mind-Energy-Body Transformation, through the Mind-Energy-Body Institute, which addresses all human systems to support profound transformation of long-standing patterns. I also have studied Body-Mind Psychotherapy with Susan Aposhyan and have received specialized training in working with stress and single-event traumas (ie. car accidents, assaults) using a body-based model called Containment and Resolution through the Love and Trauma Center. I have additional training in a model of working with a variety of emotional and psychological issues called Internal Family Systems (IFS) through the Center for Self-Leadership.

I can address any questions you have about these theories, methods, and models, as well as provide you with information so you can further investigate them on your own (ie. books, articles, websites).