My Approach
At the heart of my practice is a deep respect for the complexity of the human mind. I view each person as a whole—not as a list of symptoms or problems, but as a unique individual shaped by their history, inner world, relationships, and the strategies they’ve developed to navigate life. In our work together, I aim not only to help relieve distress, but also to foster deeper self-understanding and a more grounded, fulfilling sense of well-being. My approach is rooted in evidence-based psychodynamic therapy, and carefully integrates psychoanalytic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral perspectives to meet each person’s specific needs.
Is going to therapy a sign of weakness?
Absolutely not! People seek psychotherapy for all different reasons--some need help to overcome a diagnosable mental illness, and others might be looking for the support and guidance of a psychologist to get through a difficult or confusing life circumstance. Whatever your personal reasons are, having the self-awareness to recognize that you could use help is something to be admired, not criticized. It is this self-awareness that will set you up for success in the long-run. Congratulations on making it this far!
How does talking help?
People sometimes think of therapy as “just talking,” or something like a conversation with a friend. But while therapy does take the form of a conversation, it’s a very different kind—more structured, more intentional, and focused entirely on you. It’s a space where you can say what you’re really thinking, reflect openly, and begin to make sense of patterns that may be hard to see on your own. Research has shown that this kind of reflective, relational process can lead to meaningful, lasting change. My role is to offer a steady, attuned presence—someone who helps you navigate not just symptoms, but the deeper currents of your inner life so that you may live with greater clarity and freedom.
APA Press Release: “The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy” by Jonathan Shedler, Ph.D.
I'm a little nervous to begin therapy. How do I know if it's really for me?
Feeling nervous is completely normal. The fact that you've begun your search for a psychologist means something is on your mind that feels important. Maybe it's clear to you what the problem is, or perhaps you're carrying around a vague sense that things don't feel quite right and could be better. Either way, psychotherapy offers a safe and collaborative environment where you are free to discuss, explore, and work on your feelings about anything at all. No concern is too small--if it's distracting you, causing you pain, or getting in the way of living a fully satisfying life, it deserves to be heard and resolved.
Please contact me for a free phone consultation with any further questions or to discuss how I may be able to help.