My education as a psychologist was based on the theories of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs who believed that an effective therapeutic relationship should be conducted as a conversation between two people of equal status.
I try to interact with clients in a relaxed, comfortable way. I will not expect you to do all the talking, and you will not be lying on a couch. I also have a sense of humor.
Because of the increased popularity of telehealth, I no longer have an office where I meet with clients in person. I work from my home providing psychotherapy using Zoom video sessions or, if necessary, by telephone.
I believe that effective psychotherapy requires:
• a comfortable relationship and collaboration between the client and the therapist in a non-judgmental environment.
• appropriate professional boundaries and ethical conduct
• sensitivity to culture, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and economic status
• identification of problems, barriers, triggers and repetitive patterns of behavior
• acceptance of responsibility for one’s own destiny
• realistic goals established primarily by the client
• willingness to see situations from different perspectives
• development of strengths, skills. insight and values
• education about psychiatric illness and treatment
• movement towards better functioning and greater contentment in life
I will challenge my clients, but I don’t pressure people to discuss things they are not ready or willing to talk about.
I am a human being with weaknesses and issues of my own, but I found a way to be happy with myself. I don’t have all the answers – I help people find their own answers. I like what I do, and I believe I’m a good therapist, but I’m not the best therapist for everyone. If it’s not a good fit, you can discontinue therapy with me and I will understand.