My approach to therapy has developed the reputation of a positive, asset-based approach. My experience providing therapy has taught me that people are more resilient and capable than they think. In therapy, most people find that they have more that is “right” with them than they suspected. What often looks like an impossible situation is discovered to be an opportunity for growth and maturity. It is in learning to trust ourselves and access our own resources that healing and growth take place. As a therapist, I see it as my job to help facilitate the growth and learning needed to overcome the obstacles and challenges of difficult life situations.

COUPLES THERAPY
I use a no-nonsense approach that explores how the natural growth in committed relationships can create boredom, lack of passion and alienation. This form of therapy addresses common-but-difficult problems that are inherently part of emotionally committed relationships. Marital difficulties are often midpoints or crossroads in the evolution of healthy relationships rather than signs of personal inadequacy, incompatibility or falling out of love. This therapy shows how your relationship with yourself controls intimacy, closeness and distance between you and your partner. I find that most couples want more “intimacy” and need to develop the skills necessary to tolerate it.

The typical format I use for couples therapy is to meet for 2-hour sessions on a bi-weekly or tri-weekly basis depending on the situation. I have found that a more intensive session with expanded times between sessions speeds up the therapeutic process and shortens the overall length of therapy. At the end of the first 2 hours, couples often report a "shift" in perspective of their relationship. This is difficult to attain in a shorter session, especially in the early stage of therapy. In the later stage, one hour bi-weekly meetings are used. In cases where a 2-hour session is not practical or logical, I meet with couples on an hourly basis.

INTENSIVE COUPLES THERAPY

Another option for couples therapy is an "Intensive" format. Intensive Couples Therapy is a process where a large amount of therapeutic material is covered and processed in a condensed amount of time. ICT is scheduled in 4-hour blocks for 3 consecutive days. This is a lot of therapy in a short period of time. This is an ideal format for out-of-town and out-of-state couples. 4-hour blocks can also be scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Individual therapy is used to address issues and difficulties unique to the individual. Adjustment, anxiety, depression, parenting difficulties, workplace issues, grief, intimacy and relationship issues are common presenting problems. My approach to individual therapy is similar to couples therapy in that it is focused on strength, growth, personal development and problem solving. The emphasis is on wellness and strength, rather than “pathology” or “weakness.” This form of individual therapy works to resolve the past in the present. Individual therapy is available to children over the age of 10, adolescents and adults.

FAMILY THERAPY
Family therapy is a cost-effective, short-term, results-oriented form of treatment that involves all members of the family working together in session. Family therapy is focused on process and how relationships within the family may be causing difficulties. Family therapy also explores how relationships in the family may aid in problem-solving as well as healing.