How Does Therapy Work?

Psychotherapy is difficult to define using general terms particularly since it is such an individualized process. What we actually do together can vary based on the presenting problems and what modalities you find most appealing. I have many different tools at my disposal to help address the issues and concerns we talk about (see Specialties Section) My job is to listen carefully to what you may need and/or are trying to communicate (both conscious and unconscious material). However, we both need to play an active role for therapy to be successful. Therapy only works when you the client play an active role in working on the issues we may identify as important both within the session and at home.

Although there are no guarantees, psychotherapy generally helps us to feel better, improve our relationships, reduce stress and help us manage the details of our lives. Apply a broader and more ideal lens: Therapy should help us manifest the life we want - no holds barred.

Therapy often teaches us how to manage and tolerate the full range of human emotion - leading to a sense of greater "aliveness". This includes pleasure as well as displeasure. Indeed, therapy can sometimes unleash distressing feelings as we explore what may be causing pain or anger. It is my job to help create safety and containment when we explore uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness.

An Open Honest Rapport
I genuinely believe in an open and honest rapport where the client feels free to raise uncomfortable issues or concerns about any aspect of our work together. These conversations, although at times uncomfortable, are essential for good therapy to proceed unhampered and often carry significant therapeutic value when handled properly by the therapist. In short - if you are angry, frustrated or upset with me for any reason - I want to know about it.

Weekly Sessions
Generally I see clients weekly. Since consistency is essential to the therapeutic process, a regular weekly time is reserved just for you.