Depression and Grief

My approach is aimed at helping people move through transitions in their lives, and I use hands-on, concrete approaches to help people relieve depressive feelings. I approach depression with the whole person in mind, teaching people to develop and access their strength to heal. I focus on and awaken the wisdom and resources that stem from one’s thought process, emotions, social support, exercise, diet, balance, and/or spirituality.

Mindfulness practice, Meditation, Relaxation Skills, and Inner Compassion are practices I teach to help people better manage anxiety and depression in their lives.

Adolescents

Therapy for adolescents is a process that enables them to identify and recognize their needs and goals. By establishing a therapeutic relationship with a teenager, I help them to align their behaviors in a healthy way with their goals. I also help teenagers to learn to make self-supportive decisions and to communicate with family and friends assertively. Adolescent therapy includes individual and family therapy and parent coaching.

I work with adolescents between ages 14 and 25. This is definitely a time of transition, identity formation, values clarification, and behavioral experimentation.

Individual Therapy

I provide a confidential environment for adolescents to form a healthy decision making process and to clarify identity issues. I explore and discuss a variety of issues: goals, sexuality, family relationships, friendships, school, drugs and alcohol, self-worth, and self respect. Often I include parent consultations and family therapy in this process.

Family Therapy

I use Family Therapy sessions to address issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, conflict and tension, adolescent behavior, and communication difficulties.

Parent Coaching

I work with parents helping them be clear, firm, supportive, and loving. I believe there are some “good enough” and effective practices in parenting, and I focus on helping parents maintain and grow their relationship with their children. I help parents integrate their own self-care, clarity, and consistency with a style of parenting that is most effective for their kids.

Divorce

I help adults move through this transition and learn to manage the legalities, complicated feelings, relationship dynamics, and child management issues that can occur before, during and after a divorce. I am effective at helping adults and adolescents learn ways to identify feelings and express themselves in these new circumstances, developing skills in assertiveness and self-care.

I work with many adults who are actively questioning what direction to go with their relationship.

Sexuality Issues

My focus in the area of sexuality is on integrated healing of mind, body, and spirit. My emphasis with clients is on developing acceptance of one’s own healthy expression of his or her sexuality. I help people establish ways to manifest this in their relationships and lives.