Philosophy of Practice
In my practice, I use Psychoanalytic, Family Systems, Relational Therapy and Body-Centered (Somatic) approaches. Psychotherapy is a process of healing by which you explore and reflect on feelings, thoughts and behaviors to understand their influence on present experiences. Often times, feelings and thoughts that motivate behavior are either difficult to accept or are outside of awareness.
Psychoanalytic theory values an unconscious process that operates just out of consciousness. Therapy increases awareness of feelings and associated thoughts, expanding our capacity to respond with more truth and authenticity.
Our personalities and how we relate to others are largely shaped by family dynamics. Family Systems Theory explains patterns of behavior that stem from beliefs about self and others as they were influenced by early experiences in family of origin relationships.
Relational Therapy, a practice written about by the late Stephen Mitchell (and others) values relationship as the motivating force in work, play and love. Based on ideas generated by Attachment Theory and Object Relations Theory, our relationship with ourselves and others are paramount to living more fulfilling and meaningful lives. The relationship with your therapist is also an opportunity to understand your experience with others in the here-and-now.
Body-centered approaches work with implicit and procedural memories we all have tucked in our tissues. The body doesn't necessarily hold feelings but it can express them. Bringing awareness to the various ways we experience "being", using all the senses, provides space for difficult feelings to express, transform and generate growth.
Therapy can also be used to cultivate our capacity for mindfulness. By increasing tolerance for negative (and positive) feelings and emotions, we create opportunity to use them as sources of information. Therapy can also cultivate the capacity for patience, acceptance, courage, trust, compassion, forgiveness and love .
I strive to provide a warm and nonjudgmental space where these philosophies of practice can be used to make sense of your experiences to realize relationship, work and life goals.
