My Orientation
In my practice, I utilize the "wisdom" from various traditions which are combined with solid (foundational) clinical training creating a dynamic and interactive model of therapy.

Clinically, I lean towards a relational and psycho-dynamic verbal psychotherapy. However I have also found that there times when insight is not enough to make substantive changes. When this occurs, I rely on experiential modalities like Expressive Arts, Jungian Sandplay Therapy, Guided Visualizations and Gestalt Therapy. If appropriate to my clients, I may incorporate mind-body tools gleaned from yoga and meditation. I have extensive training in each of these areas including more than 10 years postgraduate training in Jungian Sandplay Therapy and 2 years postgraduate training in Gestalt, another form of therapy that utilizes the wisdom of the body and the "aliveness" of the therapeutic relationship to foster change. (For more information about each of these approaches see the section My Specialties).

I integrate these various orientations, skills, and tools to create a therapy experience that is highly individualized. It is my job to help us identify together which tools best suit your temperament and will be most effective for you.

There are universal human experiences and yet we are also unique both in how we experience the world and in what we need to advance our growth and healing. One of my jobs as a therapist is to find what works for you; to discover how we can access your authentic nature and gently coax it into alive expression.

I do not follow a pathology model. I believe we are all on a continuum of forward movement towards wholeness. This continuum holds both the healthy aspects of self and the places where we might be stuck or wounded. Viewing therapy in this way helps to create a safe and respectful place where a genuine caring rapport can serve to hold and contain the work. It is the relationship that is most significant in creating safety - a fundamental criteria for good therapy.

How do I find a good therapist (a little bit of advice)
When searching for a therapist, trust your intuitive self to know if it's a good fit. Ultimately, there are many ways to work which are effective - but a therapeutic relationship must be in place. It is the relationship which is primary. Trust yourself. If the connection doesn't seem right, bring this up with your therapist and see how s/he handles it. There may be a clinical issue that needs to be addressed. Or - there may simply not be strong enough connection to create the kind of safety that good therapy requires.