How I Can Help
Areas of Focus
Balancing demands as a helping professional
Relationship issues
Setting boundaries with loved ones
Family of origin/attachment
Living with grief and loss
Managing life transitions
Chronic illness
Burnout and stress management
Depression and anxiety
Identity development
Trauma
Interpersonal issues
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a space where the focus is solely on you. Sessions allow you to express your thoughts and feelings without the need to filter yourself. Therapy is a confidential, private experience that fosters your personal growth and agency to make changes in your life. Whether you are struggling with an acute challenge or a chronic issue, individual therapy is the ideal place to work on the things that are important to you.
I take my cues from you, and I encourage you to ask questions and tell me when I have not gotten “it” right. While I have expertise in counseling, you are the expert of your life. We will go at the pace that feels comfortable for you. I will frequently check in with you regarding your progress in therapy and if there is anything I can change in my approach that would be helpful to you.
Couples Therapy
You and your partner may feel as though you are in frequent conflict with one another. Issues seem to magnify quickly and intensely, whether it is about whose turn it is to take out the garbage or about the last time you showed one another affection. You may feel that your partner does not see the real you, and it feels as though you are growing apart. You may feel that your contributions to the relationship go unnoticed. Maybe the spark feels diminished, and you see one another as roommates, perhaps even good roommates, but not partners.
Couples therapy is useful when you are both ready to do the work, recognizing that change from both of you is necessary. Clients find that talking about their points of contention and connection with a neutral third party allows them to be heard and understood by one another. The Gottman Institute notes that 69% percent of problems faced by couples are perpetual problems, meaning they tend to reoccur and can be managed as opposed to fixed. Couples therapy can help partners manage those problems as they arise with grace and maybe even a little humor.
Helping the Helpers
You are a helper. That is what you do. It is an important part of your identity. Your empathy and compassion for others have led you to seek a profession where those skills are valued. Whether you are a physician, a therapist, or in any other helping profession, you may find that giving assistance is easy but asking for help yourself is not.
You may recognize that you do not have the energy for the job you once had. You may find that it is harder to compartmentalize the things you see and hear and do, and the impact is blurring the boundaries between your profession and your home life.
I want to help you to continue to feel invigorated by the work you do and to set it aside at the end of the day. Too often, external barriers prevent helping professionals from getting the care they need. Because I am a small practice, you and I are the only ones who have access to your health records. I offer the flexibility of meeting in person or via telehealth, whichever works best for your busy life and honors your sense of privacy.