How I Work
The journey a therapist and client embark on is a sacred one. It can be a transforming experience as we journey into the darkness together in search of the gold to be found there. The journey has moments of great celebration over newfound, authentic freedom, as well as moments of heartbreak. I believe the therapist and client discover together the client’s inner compass, which can guide the client on their own life journey, inside and outside the therapy room.
I provide weekly therapy. All clients are given a weekly time that allows for the safety and containment of whatever struggles have brought them to therapy. Many clients say that just knowing a special time exists for them is helpful throughout the week, when big feelings or stressful events may arise.
I use different treatment approaches with couples and individuals. However, I work relationally in both cases; that is, I work collaboratively with you about what brings you into the room and how you feel about it. I believe wholeheartedly in the healing powers of the safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. I often check in with individuals and couples about how they feel working with me and make appropriate adjustments based on their feedback.
Treatment Approaches
For individuals:
I use a holistic approach that integrates Jungian psychology, Gestalt theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and somatic awareness of the body and its wisdom, while always using a relational approach. What this means is that therapy is depth oriented, creative, and individually catered. We may look at your dreams, stories, and archetypes to help you find deeper understanding of yourself. The Gestalt lens uses the here-and-now to facilitate growth, awareness, and change. We may explore experiments and other ways of being in the world to see what feels right for you. CBT is very helpful to identify thoughts that lead to stories about yourself and/or behaviors that may not be helpful in your life now. The somatic, body-oriented tools work hand in hand with each of the other approaches. The overarching relational approach is a collaborative stance. I believe in the power of the healing relationship, and I understand and respect my role in creating that relationship and environment for clients.
My training consists of a master’s degree, with a specialization in spiritual and depth psychology (e.g., Jungian theory and Eastern mindfulness training). I completed four intensive trainings with Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, which deepened my knowledge of Jungian depth psychology, and three year-long trainings at the Pacific Gestalt Institute. I am certified in mindfulness-based CBT.
For couples:
I use a Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT), developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin. PACT is an integration of attachment theory, arousal regulation, and developmental neuroscience, and is guided by the principle of secure-functioning relationships. Secure-functioning relationships are built to last and are based in true mutuality, justice, fairness, and win-wins for both partners. I believe everyone can learn how to have a secure-functioning relationship, and it’s my job to help couples move in that direction.
PACT is a bottom-up approach, meaning the therapist pays attention to moment-to-moment changes in the therapy session and stages interventions, rather turning immediately to interpretation. Couples have an opportunity to discover in real time how they are struggling and to experiment with different ways to be in relationship within the safety of the therapy room.
I have trained closely with Stan Tatkin and am a Level II certified PACT clinician.