I see myself as the water carrier (in "The Cracked Pot" story). My natural inclination is to see the hidden strengths in others and help clients fully accept and appreciate who they are. We all have cracks and we all have unique gifts to offer the world. I strive to empower clients to rediscover their true nature; their inherent goodness, inner wisdom, and strengths and passions, and subsequently go boldly into the world in pursuit of their goals. My style of counseling is a collaborative one. I support clients' efforts to gain insight and identify solutions for their areas of concern and believe that most of the answers lie within.  

However, due to us all having blind spots, I have found it helpful for clients to receive respectful feedback about behavior patterns that are not contributing to them reaching their goals. My intention in sharing these observations, which are only hypotheses or guesses, is to help clients increase their awareness of themselves in order for them to align their future behavior with their beliefs and goals.

I feel that individuals do the best they can in life given the tools they have. I discuss with clients several different coping strategies for their presenting issues to offer them alternative options from which they may choose. Overall, I believe that self-forgiveness and self-acceptance are essential ingredients in living a life of contentment and meaning. In order for clients to do the deep, yet liberating work of counseling. I provide a non-judgmental, safe and positive environment.

In a typical "talk therapy" session, I utilize an eclectic counseling approach, which includes client-centered (Carl Rogers), motivational interviewing/stages of change, cognitive-behavioral, existential, psychodynamic, and family system's (Murray Bowen) techniques. I also incorporate art therapy, writing exercises and/or simple, yet powerful breathing techniques.