Approach

I try to offer an objective perspective on your concerns and situation.  I believe that it is often difficult to tell exactly what's going on in our lives, that we normally don't take the time to see what our lives look like from the outside.  Talking with a professional about our troubles is a very effective way to accomplish this.  It gives you perspective on everything: from your biases and prejudices to your motivations and choices.  It shines a light on who you really are, what you really want, and why you do what you do.  By knowing these you have the opportunity to change the choices you make and potentially change the fundamental course of your life.

I tend to work with people on a longer term basis, paving a course through changes and lifestyle transitions.  However, the time frame is not that important to me.  I'm perfectly happy to work with you for however long you find it helpful.  Everything, from how long we talk to the subject matter itself is entirely up to you.

Couples interested in counseling can benefit greatly from having a forum for completely open and honest conversation. The simple act of meeting and talking on neutral ground with an unbiased mediator allows for a sense of space and security to talk about things that would normally be too awkward or emotionally charged. The point is to come in and speak your mind about your relationship and then listen to your partner share their point of view. It’s a way of practicing good communication. It’s something that you can take with you and use in your everyday lives.

Most couples enter counseling with a basic commitment to the relationship. Sometimes it can take a while to express that commitment, and sometimes people need some time to build up the courage to say they do not want to be in the relationship. Whatever the outcome, the important point is to get clarity on how strong the foundation is and build from there. There’s no point in trying to convince someone to invest in their relationship if it’s not something they really want. But to the extent that both parties share in some basic commitment, there is always hope for a loving and productive union.

I ask people interested in substance abuse counseling to try to avoid using drugs or alcohol during the course of treatment.  This gives us an opportunity to talk about what it's like not to use, or if you do decide to use, why.  This too is an insight oriented therapy but with a focus on how drugs or alcohol fit into your life. 

I do not try to convince clients that using drugs or alcohol is wrong.  There are many examples of perfectly happy people who use responsibly and in moderation.  Whether or not you use substances, or how much, or in what circumstances, is entirely up to you.  The goal of counseling is to examine the pros and cons of using and allow for a fully informed choice.