It is important that you feel heard and understood.  Lack of validation of our feelings, perceptions and experience is usually at the root of our stress. Often people don’t think emotions are important and instead rely heavily on intellectualization. It can be hard to grasp that emotions are ruling us even if we are not aware of them. I have been trained to listen with a nonjudgmental and empathic stance. You will leave feeling that I ‘get you’ or at least understand the problem and can help.

We all need to know that we can effect change, by doing something about the situation we are in. Being stuck is an intolerable state. Whenever possible, I offer tools to help you deal with your concerns. Examples would be diaphragmatic breathing for stress/ anxiety management; journaling your experiences and responses to them for anger management; practicing active listening and paraphrasing to improve communications skills.

Some people are interested in a spiritual, in depth exploration of the unconscious. I find dream interpretation and unpacking what Carl Jung called the shadow (our dark side) useful in this endeavor.  Developing an awareness of, and integrating aspects of ourselves that we have disowned, is freeing and energizing work.

When you leave treatment you will have met your goals, resolved conflicts (inner and in relationships),and have tools with which to manage your issues. You will know that you have choices in how you respond to stressors and will be more pro-active vs reactive, which will increase your self confidence.