Why seek therapy?
People seek psychotherapy because they are struggling with some aspect of their lives that is causing them pain, and they hope to feel better through talking to a trained, caring listener. You may be feeling depressed, sad, anxious, confused, alone, scared or angry. Or you may not even be sure how to define what you’re feeling. You may have difficulty navigating issues with romantic or intimate relationships, with parents or children. You may be preoccupied with past traumas, losses or disappointments. You may feel a sense of fear or despair about the future. You may be frustrated or uncertain about your work life. You may feel stagnant, or you may be challenged by unexpected changes and transitions. You may have felt this way for a long time, or you may find yourself having new and unfamiliar feelings. Either way, these feelings may make it difficult for you to live your life fully, with a sense of possibility. These are a few of the experiences that may prompt someone to seek psychotherapy.
My approach to psychotherapy
My first goal is to create a safe atmosphere in which you can feel comfortable letting me know what brings you to my office. I want to understand as much as possible, and then help you to understand what you are struggling with right now, how your current problems may relate to your past experiences, and how you can begin to alleviate your distress. People often find themselves repeating old patterns of behavior that cause them difficulties in the realms of love or work. It can be freeing to see how and why these behaviors developed and what purpose they are serving, in order to create more options and more fulfillment in the present. Feeling deeply listened to; working together to make sense of the events, behaviors, emotions, relationships, wishes and fears that shape one’s life; exploring how to make changes that will ease suffering: these are the first steps in the process of psychotherapy.