Most people benefit from a neutral, outside perspective in their lives. I enjoy working collaboratively with individual clients toward the goals they come to therapy to pursue. Topics commonly addressed in individual therapy include interpersonal issues, anxiety, depression, unresolved grief or trauma, stress, addictions, family of origin issues, and life transitions. Ideally, I want you to have two things to take with you when you leave my office—something to think about and a skill to try. I will encourage you to think in new ways and to actively participate in your therapy.

Partnerships are challenging. Most of us enter into our partnerships assuming we will always have a magical closeness with our chosen partner. Then life happens and we grow in different ways. Even the best and most committed relationships have rough patches. The “client” in couples therapy is the relationship rather than the two individuals. I enter into the arena to provide support, insight, and a different perspective—not to take sides or to judge—but to help you find strengths and skills to make your relationship stronger. I have received special training by John and Julie Gottman called “Bridging the Couple Chasm: A Research-Based Approach.” As a Gottman Level I Practitioner, I have access to many tools designed to support you as you work on building, or re-building, a healthy couple relationship.

I use a family systems approach to therapy; be it work with an individual, a couple, or an entire family. The more family members we can invite to join us, the better (and this can be multiple generations of your family if they live close by or can arrange to travel here for a session or two)! I believe all relationships are interconnected, and when we can identify patterns of interaction within families, we are in a better position to implement changes that will improve communication and foster better relationships with one another. We will work collaboratively to set goals and work toward solutions to help improve the dynamics within your family. Topics commonly addressed in family therapy include blended family issues, separation or divorce, conflict resolution, sibling conflict, unresolved grief and loss or trauma, life transitions, parenting issues, and educational problems.

Children grapple with a variety of issues through their play. It is, in effect, their work. I have special training in non-directive play therapy as well as a variety of other research-based experiential/play therapies. Play therapy is particularly helpful for children who have experienced a trauma or for those who are needing additional support during a difficult time in their lives. The death of a close family member or pet, divorce or separation, the birth of a new sibling, bullying, and past trauma or abuse are all great times to consider play therapy for your child. Age-appropriate therapeutic games are often incorporated with older youth.