There is Joy in life. There is pain in life. I think that an important aspect of therapy/counseling is to eliminate the pain, and maximize our Joy. And I think that the symptoms we experience, such as anxiety and depression, often demands attention and creates emotional pain. As I see it, therapy is a process to understand and reduce or eliminate symptoms. Thus, sometimes it is useful to explore childhood themes and family of origin dynamics in order to both understand and find the emotional release that helps us to ‘move on’. And sometimes, depending upon the dynamics, the issues, and one’s preferences, the ideal approach could be learning how to reduce symptoms, such as Relaxation training to diminish anxiety. And sometimes it is best to have a cognitive understanding of behaviors and patterns in a way that can break unhealthy cycles and reduce emotional discomfort. During initial sessions, it is important I think to explore whether or not therapy can be useful, whether I as a therapist feel I can be helpful, and as importantly for you as a client to sense and decide whether therapy can be beneficial, and if so, with what therapist. Thus, it may sometimes be helpful to meet with more than one therapist on the quest of beginning a new, or a renewed, venture of therapy.

As a psychologist in practice for many years, I thoroughly enjoy being part of the process on a client’s journey to reduce symptoms and emotional discomfort, and to ultimately find more Joy in life. I work with a variety of symptoms/issues listed on the clinical services page. While more than 50% of my caseload is typically with individuals, I have an extensive background in working with families and couples, via teaching, supervision and clinical practice. I also have extensive experience in working with teenagers, both in my private practice and as a psychologist working in residential care. My many years of experience include extensive teaching (both with college and grad students, as well as with clinicians) and supervision of interns and clinicians, as well as clinical work in private practice. Since I do think that it takes courage and emotional strength to initiate and engage in therapy, I welcome the opportunity to explore your goals and hopes, as well as even your dreams and visions of how to find that Joy in life, via the journey and the exploration that therapy entails. So I invite you to give a call to talk, and to possibly set an initial session to explore options and to mutually create directions.