I believe that everybody wants to be loved and have meaningful connections with their family, friends, and coworkers in a way that brings them joy and satisfaction. As simple as it may sound, it is not always easy to do. I start from a nonjudgmental, curious place and work hard to encourage my client to develop this stance for himself or herself. I enjoy working with those who are willing to work hard and open themselves to new possibilities. When working with adults, I focus on psychodynamic (talk) therapy and supportive therapy to help my clients gain more insight about unhelpful behaviors and belief systems, unresolved conflicts, and unconscious motivations and habits that impact the way they function and how they relate to others. Strong feelings (such as shame, guilt, fear, and anger) will start to diminish when clients can connect the dots and see things more objectively. Experience has taught me that these direct and compassionate approaches allow my clients to increase their awareness of their thoughts, feelings, relationship patterns, and unhealthy coping skills that get in the way of their happiness and success. I have seen long-lasting changes occur when people embrace self-compassion.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning to dance in the rain.”

—Anonymous