People seek out therapy for so many different reasons: because they are curious, because they believe they need it, because they have exhausted other resources, or because they are told to go (by a loved one or by the court). I have welcomed all these people into my practice.

On a regular basis, I find myself challenging people’s beliefs about therapy. Some people assume you go to a therapist to get advice. Or a therapist will tell you that you are right and someone else is wrong, (or alternatively, tell you what is wrong with you.) Some people think therapy is a waste of time—the therapist will silently listen to you vent for 50 minutes and then tell you to come back next week.  Some people think therapy is an expensive friendship.

On the contrary, I do not believe therapy is or should be any of those things. I believe what makes therapy powerful is the therapeutic relationship. The therapist should be professional, competent and have the capacity to help someone create change…. a change in beliefs, a change in actions, and a change of perspective. A therapist should listen, but a therapist should also engage, and when necessary, challenge. This relationship has the potential to be life-changing and life-saving. Unlike a friendship, the therapist has legal obligations…to be competent, to protect the patient and others, and a responsibility to create boundaries for respect and safety.  

As a clinically trained social worker, I integrate narrative, relational and cognitive-behavioral approaches in my practice. Further, I operate with the core values of social work, including a strengths-based practice and a commitment to serve vulnerable and marginalized populations.  I am happy to answer your questions about my approach to therapy.

You are welcome here. You can be safe here.