My approach draws on psychoanalytic thinking, which revolves on one central idea: much of what we think and feel remains outside of our awareness. Sometimes we keep powerful feelings hidden so we can continue moving through the day, or we simply cannot find time to reflect on everything that is happening to us. In any case, keeping these potent experiences hidden may leave us feeling stiff, dreary, unfulfilled, or even numb and dull.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together we’ll start with brief introductions and dive right into your concerns. You will find the session to be relieving, and you will likely feel seen/heard. You will speak about how things have been for you. We will discuss your cadence for individual psychotherapy sessions and frequency. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Why did I act the way that I did? Doubts, Depression, Acerbic wit = both admired & feared Shame spiral, Refined aggression, Avoidance behaviors. What was I feeling at the time? Anxiety, Nervousness, Nerves shot, I am more rigid when I am “ not well” Negative thoughts about the self, environment/world around you, about the future. On the receiving end of insults, disguised as complements “bless your heart.” Could I have acted differently? Self Reflection, Learn adaptability and flexibility, Firm/Fair/Safe Boundaries, Adaptive thinking = the ability to reflect in action and upon action, Rest/Medicine/Nature/Acupuncture, Give yourself time/credit. Notice your insecurities, but don’t act on them. Foster your own independence, it’s always a “green flag” for exploration. Don’t idealize other couples; what you see on social media is not what they are. It’s just them on a good day. Identify your best qualities as a partner. Write them down and recall evidence for each of them. It’ll make them feel real to you. I missed so many years? Grief/loss Annoyed in silence, Not realizing others can mis speak or made a mistake. Stingy with the truth = Self Serving “fibs” Time aggravation = Current, Future, Existential, Shame for the person you used to be, Trauma = confusing and upsetting events Could I do something different now? Self appreciation, Not get stuck on a single solution, Self-soothe, self-regulate, Set realistic expectations, Monitor moods/triggers Helpful reframing to improve my mood/outlook, Enhance coping skills, Increase engagement in meaningful activities. A “no” to them may mean a “yes” to YOU. By understanding our core motivations, we can make choices to continue to act in accordance with them, or to change them.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Individual Adults (no couples, family, pre-marital, pre-divorce nor collateral work at this time) Introverts/Extroverts who like to benefit from therapy. Highly sensitive people. People who have “frayed or shot” nerves. Working with people about their relationships. People afraid that therapy isn’t for them. People who worry that they are “Too Much.”