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Individuals and couples come to me with a wide variety of difficulties that they want to address. They are usually frustrated and feeling stuck, unable to see how to move ahead. We begin by working together to find a shared understanding of these difficulties from which we can begin to chart a path that will lead to constructive change. People usually are surprised to find that talking about their struggles with someone who listens with respect and understanding is very helpful in itself. Some discussion of past experiences often reveals wounds that have been reactivated by present life stresses and, seen in context, helps one to see their current options more clearly. Patterns of behaviors and emotional reactions which are self defeating are often found which are hard to see without the assistance of a trained eye. These patterns can then be addressed and alternatives can be considered and practiced. Couples learn to appreciate and creatively address their newly understood individual differences and gender differences (if applicable) in how they approach feelings, conflicts, and what they consider important in their lives.
The kinds of difficulties that individuals bring to me involve: depression, anxiety, grief, relationship problems(with spouses, dating, friends, family, coworkers), diffuse unhappiness, low self esteem, destructive expression of anger, procrastination, sexual issues, addictions(chemical, sexual, internet, work), coping with medical illness, “empty nest”, and gay and lesbian issues. Couples, in addition to the above struggles, bring: communication and closeness issues, parenting struggles, chronic conflicts (money, sex, household chores, etc.), and infidelity.
While these manifold issues can be serious in their destructiveness and difficult to manage, I am often able to be helpful in finding new solutions and strategies that my clients use to free themselves to lead more happy and satisfying lives. |
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