By blending my psychological training and my medical background into a holistic approach, I'm able to facilitate positive lifestyle changes by creating safe, nurturing situations in which many aspects of mind and body can be addressed at once. After receiving my Doctorate in Naturopathy, I went back to get a Masters in Psychology so I could assist my clients in healing in a more complete way.

My Approach to Psychotherapy

My approach to psychotherapy is best described as eclectic. This means that I draw from a range of psychological/behavioral theories, tailoring my approach to the unique needs of each individual client. More specifically, I synthesize aspects of the following approaches as needed:

Psychodynamic theory: This approach looks at how early experiences affect current feelings about oneself (e.g., self-esteem) and current relationships. Oftentimes when a client feels caught in repetitive thought and behavioral patterns that do not facilitate growth and joy, it is useful to explore how she/he has made sense of early life experiences.

A related key psychodynamic construct is the ‘unconscious.‘ The unconscious refers to aspects of the self that are not available to awareness. One curative aspect of psychotherapy is making the unconscious conscious, for this enables clients to better know themselves and to better understand and manage the internal forces that affect feelings and behavior.

Cognitive-behavioral theory: This approach is very useful when clients need tools and strategies to interrupt negative thought patterns and behaviors. Cognitive therapy includes looking at one‘s internal dialogue, seeing where thought patterns may be self-defeating, and shifting these patterns to more optimal and self-nurturing ways of thinking.

Attachment theory: This approach considers the quality of one‘s current intimate relationships and explores how emotionally secure one felt in early relationships with parents. Attachment theory provides a useful framework for psychotherapy because it can pinpoint vulnerabilities in relation to self and others and help clients gain insight into dysfunctional patterns of relating.

Attachment theory‘s emphasis on the importance of secure relationships is relevant to psychotherapy as well, since establishment of a trusting and secure connection between client and therapist is the necessary foundation for successful psychotherapy.

Mind-body techniques: It is often very helpful in psychotherapy to provide behavioral tools that enable clients to better manage stress and experience a greater sense of well-being. The mind-body approach utilizes various relaxation techniques such as meditation, visualization, and even simple breathing exercises that can be done in the car!

Transpersonal theory: Transpersonal theory proposes that there are developmental stages beyond the adult ego, which involve experiences of connectedness with phenomena considered outside the boundaries of the ego. In healthy individuals, these developmental stages can engender the highest human qualities, including altruism, creativity, and intuitive wisdom.

Underlying Philosophy

Underlying my philosophy is my belief that a fully realized life is constantly renewed in the struggle to balance and integrate many dimensions: body, emotions, mind, and spirit. Sometimes we reach an impasse, and need to reach out for help. A caring relationship is the most effective crucible for change. That relationship may be with a trusted friend, mentor, spiritual advisor, or, at times, a counselor.

I believe that we all have a unique inner healer that is the source of our growth, and that it cannot be forced, or “figured out” rationally. It comes alive in the moments when we surrender control over how we think we should be, and contact what we are truly meant to be, and then act from that.

I have a special interest in combining psychology with the traditions of mindfulness. I have found, in my life, and that of my clients, that non-judgmental mindful awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. When we fully accept what is, that is when change is most likely to occur.