Approach to Therapy:
The goal is to teach you the skills to manage the conflict or difficulties in your relationship so that when new disagreements come up, you will be able to handle them on your own. While I am going to share my beliefs about therapy and tell you the theories that I practice, what is really important is that you come out of therapy being able to handle the things that brought you to therapy in the first place. I want to be a resource for you, a way to learn how to manage things within your relationship.
My personal belief is that the mind and body are connected. What does that mean? It means that there is a connection between what is going on in your mind and symptoms in your physical body. We will look at the things that get you worked up, how they make you feel, the messages you tell yourself, and the moves you make. It isn’t until we get through the things that get us worked up that we can deal with processing through the issue. This happens through being able to listen and understand another’s perspective (this isn’t the same as accepting it), leaning into how it feels for them instead of only focusing on the impact to yourself.
I am trained in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and the Gottman Method (Level 2) and these are the primary modalities that I use. This doesn’t mean that I don’t use other theories as needed, some of these are person/client centered, narrative, and CBT. It’s important to meet each individual where they are and at a place where they feel comfortable to open up and are ready to meet their goals. I’ve completed my certification in sex therapy through the University of Michigan through their sexual health certificate program and am in supervision to become a certified AASECT Sex Therapist.
I also see therapy as something that the individual/couple needs to be willing to put in the work. Part of the agreement is that the individual/couple will be open and honest in communication and be willing to work towards the goals that they have come up with in conjunction with the therapist. I may ask that you do a bit of work on your own in between sessions, this work will be discussed and it is a choice because I want you to be comfortable taking steps forward when you are ready. Another part of putting in the work is showing up. I will be holding space for you and need you to be willing to hold space/show up for therapy on a regular basis on the terms that were agreed upon.
I want you to know that the hardest step to take is the first one;making an appointment and coming in. We will do the hard work together as you show and share your vulnerabilities. I look forward to working with you on your journey of self-discovery and helping you find ways to work through your difficulties at your pace, on your terms.
