WHAT I DO

I work with individuals, in groups, with couples and with families. I do therapy that is expressive, that teaches, that allows you to work as fast as you can to unlearn the things that hurt you and learn the new ways that will lead you to the life you want. And although it takes time, it doesn't have to go slow. You can feel like you got alot every single time even if in some ways it takes a while to get unstuck. New thoughts and new beliefs new experiences lead the way to new lives.

And I do "experiential" psychotherapy. I don't just listen. I talk and I teach and I provide you with experiences that you can learn from. Some of the tools that I use are:

1. Cognitive behavioral learning. We look at beliefs, thoughts, ideas. The things you base your behaviors on are beliefs. About yourself and others. Some work and some don't. For instance, "All men (women) will hurt you eventually," is a common belief in our culture, propogated by the common experience of divorced parents and the culturally fostered "war between the sexes." It is obviously a belief that can cause some problems in relationships, driving us to defend ourselves and view the "other" as a potential enemy. What if we changed that belief and the behavours we use in its service?

Or the common belief that we are less valuable, knowledgeble, good looking or together than others? Lots of possibility for change comes from the questioning of our core beliefs and automatic behavioral responses. And of course, the feelings we feel as a result of these beliefs, which leads to:

2. Emotional Intelligence. With all that said about changing your thinking, you can't possibly change with intelligence alone. If you could, you'd read a book and do it already. We have to get down into those messy and wonderful heart places, and feel. And that sounds horrendous to those of us who struggle daily to FIGHT feelings of fear, sadness, hopelessness and pain. But what about the other feelingswe so long to feel, like love, hope, joy, safety and pride? My office is a safe place to explore all of our feelings, perhaps getting to know them for the first time in a safe and healthy way.

3. Transactional analysis, Modified a little to each situation, this is a way of looking at our inner dialog and conflicting feelings. We love this and at the same time we hate this. What's up with that?

3. Psychomotor. Psychodrama, Dreams, Gestalt, Sand tray, guided imagery and more! I have lots of tools up my sleeve. We won't get stuck in our heads. Your soul is ready to reveal itself to you. I won't passively let your head get in your way.

4. Your self. I will honor where you are and what you want and what you need. You are the master of your own life, and I will guide AND follow you.

5. Bottom line: To work as efficiently as possible in order to make the work as powerful and impactful as possible.