My Approach

The person is never the problem; The problem is the problem.- Bill O'Hanlon

Taking this approach opens the door the change. It allows us to look at your situation more objectively and pragmatically in order to create a plan for change. I have a strong sense of optimism and faith in people, even during those times when you may feel you’ve lost faith in your own sense of optimism, direction, and those around you. Together we can find a hopeful direction forward.

Creating a genuine, open and trusting therapeutic relationship is the basis of change and will allow us to address your goals productively.

I have specific training in couples and family counseling and I also enjoy working with individual adults and young adults.

My specific training and theoretical approach includes:
  • narrative therapy techniques
  • cognitive behaviorial & DBT techniques
  • family systems theory
  • Bowen family systems theory
  • Rational Emotive therapy

Parenting:

“Help!! These kids are driving me crazy!!”

“Parenting is such a difficult job! I never imagined I could get so frustrated, even angry, with such a little being! What is wrong with me, my parenting, or could there be something wrong with my child?”

These thoughts, feelings, fears, and behaviors are all very common, but not often talked about or acknowledged in our world of self-help and quick-fix approaches to almost everything. The transition from non-parenting to parenting (whether planned or unanticipated) brings huge changes, joys and challenges to our lives. Not only are parents faced with the adventure of getting to know their child(ren), but we also find ourselves being challenged to grow and change as individuals. Children can increase relational and financial stress and have a way of introducing worries and frustrations we never imagined before becoming parents.

A few of the challenges you may be facing as a parent:
  • Getting to know your child(ren) and their temperment
  • Accepting who they are and learning about the stages of childhood
  • Understanding normal cognitive/ behaviorial development
  • Changes in marital/partnership relationship
  • Changes in extended family relationships
  • Managing time and money
  • Sibling conflict
  • Discipline strategies

In my own parenting journey, I have discovered many things about myself, patterns from my own childhood, and ways that I was raised that have given me pause and have helped me redefine the ways I want to parent my children. This journey is not a straight-forward or easy road. I am passionate about helping parents discover ways of being with their children that lead to more days of joy and happiness and less worry and frustration.