Counseling
Counseling, or psychotherapy, is a process of working together towards goals you have identified, for yourself, in your relationships, or for your child. Sometimes it is simple to clarify your goals, but at times it can be more complex – there may be several problems, or several perspectives on the problem. Once we have established clear treatment goals and priorities, we will work together to deepen our understanding of the issues and create space for new solutions to emerge. I believe that people of all ages can learn to trust their confidence in what is best for them. My role is to suggest ideas that will help you access your own wisdom. I very often assign homework to help you make a commitment to practice in your daily life what we are discussing in your appointments.
In my work with younger children, I help parents learn to polish their parenting skills to fit the needs of their children better. Often, this involves using reward programs to improve behavior. I also work individually with children if the need is primarily to help them sort through some difficulties in their lives. My extensive training in psychological testing allows me to help you and your child understand and make use of school and diagnostic testing reports.
Adolescents are at the crossroads of childhood and adulthood, a stressful and risky period of life in which many important skills must be learned and decisions made. Teens benefit from counseling when they need a relationship with a trusted adult outside the family. In the context of the therapy relationship, they can learn how to understand and take care of themselves better.
Specialized training in family therapy gives me the flexibility to invite several people into therapy sessions if that will help resolve the issues causing frustration. It can be of enourmous benefit to involve several family members in the change process. I often collaborate with local mental health professionals when more than one treatment modality is called for.
Counseling with adults, both individuals and couples, is an opportunity to bring healing to issues that may have been troubling you for a while. Therapy helps you notice more about what is good in your life, which gives you the courage to learn how to get unstuck.
Demonstrating kindness and respect in relationships is the key to success and happiness. Much of our work together will focus on relationship skill-building. This includes relationships with ourselves, our partners, our parents, our children, our friends, our teachers, our bosses, and our coworkers, in short, with everyone!
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