About Therapy

Make life more manageable through therapy.

I almost don’t want to spoil this surprise for you. Almost.

You’re coming to therapy for help managing something that feels unmanageable, something beyond your ability to understand or control. You’ll be surprised to find that what you gain in treatment is not what you hope to get at the start.

The greatest gift of therapy is not the insight or the development of better coping strategies, though these are valuable takeaways. The greatest surprise awaiting you is that, in time, you won’t feel so strongly that you need to “figure things out” or “get a hold of the situation.”

You’ll discover that you have a much greater capacity to tolerate the unknown. Therapy works this muscle, and you’ll have devoted weekly time to building it up.

Therapy is a gift that keeps on giving.

The experience of powerlessness is terrifying and deeply upsetting. Nevertheless, it is an unavoidable aspect of being a living, breathing human being. We live daily at the mercy of forces beyond our control and understanding.

The gift of therapy is that you’ll become better acquainted with the reality of things. You undoubtedly deepen your knowledge, but when understanding falls short like it often does, you will find it easier to remain open and mindfully respond to whatever life brings.

Gain a traveling mate as you navigate life’s challenges.

When people describe the experience of sitting with me, they first mention the warmth of my presence. And I’m glad to hear that.

It’s the warm presence of a caring other we need most when we’re young – more so than piercing insight. And sadly, the prevailing culture in the U.S. provides children with more instruction than an invitation.

Many of us come to therapy because we struggle to relate to our inner voice – we resist its soft-spoken guidance, or we struggle to hear it speak at all.

It may feel uncomfortable to be met by me, not with pointed instruction about how to “fix” what you’re feeling but with quiet attention that wordlessly wonders, “What is it like to be you right now?”

We begin by building trust.

Our regular appointment builds a sense of consistency. When you speak, you feel heard. Finally, there is someone with whom you can share all the things that weigh heavy on your heart, someone you know won’t offer you unsolicited advice or tell you to “look on the bright side,” someone who will be with you.

Gradually, you’ll find it easier to be present with your feelings and less shameful to share them. The therapy hour becomes a regular opportunity to confront your fear and practice vulnerability and honesty. You find you’re more comfortable being uncomfortable and tolerating uncertainty much better than before.

You’ll align your life and relationships with your genuine wants and needs. Life is no longer a terrible shadow to outrun. It’s a vibrant, meaningful story you are actively unfolding.

The investment is worth it.

For every investment you make, you consider, “Will this be worth it?” It’s easier to appreciate the value of your investment when you’re making rent or mortgage payments or buying good food.

It’s more challenging to estimate the value of personal transformation. It’s hard to put a price on things that many people might feel priceless, like experiencing less insecurity and more joy, having a more profound sense of personal meaning and connection, and being able to relate better with your partner, parents, and work.

Investing in yourself is the first step to making significant changes in your life. It’s a concrete expression of faith in your potential for growth. You are worth investing in, and you prove it to yourself when you start this work.

Learn to feel deeply regardless of the challenges.

You don’t really want to feel anything. It’s just that, at this moment, feeling nothing would be preferable to bearing the weight of your feelings.

What you want is to feel without being overwhelmed and derailed by it.

We in the West don’t have much cultural training in feeling deeply. We get much more training in thinking critically. That can help you understand your feelings but only takes you so far.

You want to develop your ability to live a full life while feeling deeply.

Your experiences define our work.

Our work is shaped and informed by your unique experience. I don’t give homework for you to complete outside of our sessions, and I don’t prescribe a particular course of treatment.

Our work arises as you become more attuned to your inner world. You will discover the path to healing that is meant just for you. You are the medicine you’re looking for. I’m here to help you find it.