This process begins with an initial session or two in which feelings, issues, and goals are clarified and clients experience the style of approach. If the issues and approach are compatible we create a plan. Plans are based on client’s needs, goals, and logistics and the therapeutic assessment.  Ideally, the plan serves as a flexible map for the work, with an understanding that the process is sometimes unpredictable.

The initial goal of the counseling is to establish a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship. A good therapeutic relationship helps people grow and change by fostering self-acceptance.  As the work progresses, clients explore difficult feelings, examine life patterns, identify the various systems that influence their lives, practice new skills, and make choices and changes.

Each therapeutic process is unique. Sometimes the process is typical talk therapy which uses discussion to explore feelings, thought patterns, communication styles, and behaviors. In some cases, a mind-body approach is used making use of the fact that we sometimes hold emotional material in our bodies in the form of tension, pain, numbness, and addiction. For example, clients who have a difficult time connecting to their emotions due to depression, trauma, chronic pain, and built-in defenses may find easier access to their feelings by connecting to their body through breathing, mediation, and awareness.  Clients who struggle with anxiety and unexplainable pain syndromes are taught to use physical cues to tune into fear reactions and learn how to relax. Other times, the body centered approach simply means that I bring a grounded, empathic presence to the session due to years of training in how to use physical awareness to pay deep attention to others. In all cases,  the therapy involves empathic listening, analytic exploration, and practical skill building.

Sessions conclude with a review of the original goals so that progress can be measured and plans for the future made. The completion allows clients to speak honestly and directly about what they did and did not receive from the work. This kind of direct communication offers a chance to practice intimate communication while empowering the client as they move forward with their lives.

Sessions take place bi-weekly, weekly, or bi-monthly and include work with individuals, couples, and families. Sessions may be 60 or 90 minutes long.  Session Fees vary based on length of session.