How I Practice

Therapy is an opportunity to deepen your understanding and acceptance of yourself and looks and feels different with each client because each person has a unique inner world and language. This process requires courage, curiosity, and patience as we often navigate unknown territory.

 

It is my experience that symptoms diminish, emotional distress decreases, and growth proceeds when clients can talk openly and honestly about their lives and feel their way through their problems with someone who is emotionally available and an empathetic listener.

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Often, therapy can feel like untangling and making sense of the past, so that we can be more present with ourselves and consider our future. The more you can understand and feel how the past is alive and present in your body and mind, the more you can be present with yourself and others, tolerate discomfort, express yourself in creative ways, and imagine and plan your life. 

 

My focus on relational psychodynamic therapy means that I pay attention to how our early and most intimate relationships impact our internal world and how we relate to friends, partners, children, colleagues, and others in our present life. It is in part through the therapeutic relationship that we can glean important information about how we relate to others and become more aware of the ways we have learned to protect and defend ourselves after getting hurt. 

 

I also integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into my work. CBT focuses on examining your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and the world and exploring their impact on your feelings and behavior. The goal of CBT in my work is to develop more awareness and freedom in how you think, feel, and live.

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I am on a constant journey to become a better ally and to understand my privileged identity as a white cis gendered man in the world and in my work as a therapist. This quote by Lilla Watson resonates deeply with me in how I see my work from a social justice perspective:

“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

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Therapy is an opportunity to:

• Speak freely & explore what’s on your mind

• Heal from trauma

• Know yourself more deeply

• Connect with yourself

• Be taken care of

• Learn to care for yourself

• Enhance communication

• Build healthy relationships

• Explore your needs, wants, & wishes

• Alleviate emotional suffering

• Clarify ideas and goals

• Manage alcohol and substance

• Explore struggles with sexuality & gender identity

• Get help with decision making​