my philosophy
Although psychological problems are generally caused and maintained by many factors, as a psychologist my focus tends to be on the way a person relates to themselves and others in their past, present, and imagined future. One of the assumptions underlying my work is that relationships with others, particularly early experiences with one’s caregivers, shape the way one views oneself, other people, and the world. Templates that guide one’s adult perceptions are formed early in life and exist largely outside one’s conscious awareness. When experiences with important others have been consistently traumatic, disruptive, or otherwise painful, putting them behind and moving on alone can be difficult. Often another safe relationship (i.e., in the context of psychotherapy) is needed for a person to begin to observe these patterns, place them into their original context, and begin to experiment with more open ways of being and relating.
Because some of the reasons why people get stuck in troubling patterns remain outside their awareness and often cannot be verbalized,
psychotherapy provides an opportunity for these less than conscious experiences to be brought to light, understood and accepted. The relationship between the therapist and the patient serves as a “playground” where new bits of self-awareness and experimentation with new ways of being and relating can emerge. I believe that growth is possible when individuals courageously and honestly face and mourn past experiences that have haunted them, sometimes for a long time. When the shame and pain of one’s past is acknowledged and fleshed out, one often feels greater freedom to enjoy life in the present and look forward to the future.
Frustrating symptoms tend to subside or disappear, relationships improve, and one begins to live with a greater sense of agency and freedom.
Whether short or long-term psychotherapy is possible or warranted, I view my primary role as respectfully treating you as a whole and unique person, who has the ability to choose and improve the quality of your life. I strive to create a trusting relationship with you out of which understanding, compassion, acceptance, and change can flow.
I consider it a privilege to accompany you on your journey of discovery, healing, and growth.
Feel free to contact me for an initial consultation.
“Psychoanalysis is often about turning our ghosts into ancestors, even for patients who have not lost loved ones to death. We are often haunted by important relationships from the past that influence us unconsciously in the present. As we work them through, they go from haunting us to becoming simply part of our history.”