Therapeutic Approach

I support clients in addressing a variety of concerns, such as depression, stress, anxiety, burn out, chronic illness, relational trauma, grief, addictions, major life transitions, to name a few. I aim to provide support in emotional processing, and offer guidance relative to the skills necessary for fostering greater well-being, healthy lifestyle choices, as well as building and maintaining loving relationships. In my view, at the heart of this work is the refinement of self-awareness and taking responsibility/action where we can for how we are either of benefit or harm to ourselves and/or others, and making changes where necessary. We all want to feel safe, understood, fulfilled and connected. We all want to love and be loved, and to love, we must have understanding and compassion for ourselves and others. Gaining understanding and making meaningful change takes time and patience. It is a lot of work, but it is so worth it!

My private practice is largely informed by my training in attachment theory, emotion-focused therapeutic approaches, traditional Buddhist teachings and meditation practices (e.g., Insight and loving-kindness meditation).

A key part of my work with clients is to support them to better understand, 1) the impact of their personal histories (e.g., learn about your attachment style), 2) the value of awareness and being responsive to ourselves and others emotions/needs, and, 3) the qualities of secure and skillful relationships. 

No matter what you are dealing with, your emotions provide valuable information about who you are, what is important to you and what you need. Sometimes there may be feelings that are too difficult to connect with, let alone share with others, and we can subsequently get stuck – both in our lives and patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. In my experience personally and professionally, attachment theory and Buddhist teachings are complimentary, and invaluable in developing greater awareness, understanding and a more meaningful/skillful sense and experience of love. In caring for ourselves and others, it is a fine balance between tending to the range of human experience, both pleasant and unpleasant, and actively nurturing such positive social-emotional qualities as generosity, loving-kindness, compassion, patience and equanimity. Thus, the ongoing cultivation of mindfulness is not just about attending to oneself, but is an ethical and relational practice. 

This is just a glimpse into my thinking about individual well-being and relationships, and how I support my clients. Having worked and trained in the helping profession for nearly three decades, I am able to draw on many different therapeutic approaches to meet the diversity of my clients’ needs. The best way to get a sense of whether or not we will be a good fit is for us to do a session. During that time, I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the process of therapy, my therapeutic approach and/or background.