Once a client has reached out to me, I attempt to create a space for the client that is a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of their daily life — a safe place where they can take a step back, gain some perspective, take some risks, and work on what's important.
I aim to be a consistent, warm, respectful, and compassionate presence in my client's life — an objective and honest sounding board that clients can use to get to know themselves a little better. Thus, laying the foundation for productive therapy, I hope that over time, my client can use the experience of this relationship and apply its learnings to all aspects of their lives.
When people decide to seek professional help, it is often only after spending considerable time and energy trying to alleviate some pain or stress that they have been feeling for a while. Likewise, it takes time to unravel the many factors that lead up to someone making the decision to seek therapy. Therapy will help change a person's perspective, support them as they learn new skills, and be the catalyst to positive change in their life.
I apply various clinical theories to my work with a client. Which theory I work with session-to-session depends on the age and personality of the client, the issues we are working on, and the stage of the therapy process. I ask my clients to determine what they want out of therapy and we work together to achieve their goals and structure exercises that empower them to work towards those goals.