In psychotherapy, there are many issues that I can be helpful with — anxiety, depression, relationships, recovery from abuse and trauma, self-esteem, eating disorders, body image and size acceptance, sexual orientation and gender issues, healing from dysfunctional families, chronic illness & disability, dissociative disorders, communication issues, and life transitions. I have struggled with some of these issues myself and used therapy over the years to heal, change or learn to accept these aspects of myself and my life.
To tell you the truth, therapy has saved my life. More than once. In fact, it has helped me have a life I wouldn't have known was possible 15 years ago. Many people think therapy is just for people with serious problems. On the contrary, I think of therapy as useful for any person interested in self-discovery and wishing to create a better life for themselves.
I think choosing a therapist is something that should be done with great care, at least as much care as you take to choose your clothes. Just as you try on clothing before you buy it, you can choose a therapist in a similar way. It's been my experience that good therapy only happens when there is a good match between therapist and client. And the only way to see whether the match is right, is to try it on. It's not so much about whether or not that person is qualified on paper - it's more about whether or not you and that person "click" in a certain kind of way. Do you feel understood? Could you grow to trust her or him? Do you feel liked? Do you feel seen? These are the questions that are important to answer before deciding to engage a therapist in an ongoing therapy relationship with you.
In that spirit, I generally recommend that new psychotherapy clients set up three sessions with me to start. This allows us time to get to know each other a little. I usually need at least one or two sessions to get the information I need about your history and current concerns in order to understand what's happening with you. And you'll get a chance to see how I work and whether or not you feel comfortable with me. This gives us both some time to see whether or not the match feels right. At the end of three sessions, I'll be able to make some recommendations on how I think you may want to proceed. We'll also talk honestly about whether the match feels right between us. If it does, great. But if not, I am fully committed to offering you suggestions on whom else to see.
I see both individuals and couples in psychotherapy and also run therapy and support groups on specific topics.
