Individual Therapy
Individual therapy can be enormously helpful for men and women who are having difficulties in life and particularly in their attempts to sustain deep and intimate relationships.
Though much of my work tends to focus on interactions in current relationships, it was during early childhood when interacting with ones parents that fundamental relational patterns were internalized. These relational patterns underlie what we look for, what we believe is going on, and how we respond to relational interactions throughout life. They direct the action behind the scenes, out of awareness, in our relationships with spouses, children, co-workers, various authority figures, and with the therapist.
It is likely that during the course of therapy the client will discover that he or she has experienced similar problematic expectations, defenses and emotional responses in various current and past relationships. The leverage for change, however, lies in the relationship with the therapist, where over time, new, healthier underlying relational patterns can evolve. As new ways of relating within the therapy become normalized, they will enable a client to engage in deeper, less conflictual, and more satisfying relationships outside the therapy, in every sphere of life.
Toward making a client's experience in therapy one that will foster emotional growth, I do my utmost to relate in a friendly, authentic, and empathic manner. When appropriate, I share my feelings and insights; I attempt to acknowledge my mistakes; and, I encourage my clients to do the same - i.e., I encourage clients to become more open and authentic with me in return.