Some individuals seek therapy after a clear, precipitating event, like a painful breakup or a major life transitions such as the birth of a child, a job or career change, retirement, or the death of a parent. Others come to therapy because of long-standing struggles that have fluctuated in severity over time, such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety, parenting stress, or feeling stuck and unfulfilled in a career or relationship.
My approach to individual therapy is to create a safe, respectful environment where we work together to reduce the distress that brings you to therapy. Many people experience significant relief knowing that they can talk about their personal experience while feeling safe, respected, and genuinely heard by me. This can be especially true for people who have felt isolated, guilty, embarrassed, or worried to talk about their problems.
Feeling safe and confortable to speak freely without judgment may be the first step in even greater change and relief from suffering. Feeling safe enough to talk and think together about your problems may be sufficient to work through a difficult transition. For more long-standing issues, we will work to gain a deeper understanding of painful or troubling patterns in your life so you can make change.
Some issues where I have been able to help adults include:
- Relationship difficulties
- Anxiety, worry and panic
- Depression, isolation, and sadness
- Life transitions
- Healing from abuse and trauma
- Feeling “stuck” indecisive or uncertain
- Loss and grief
- Exploring sexual & gender identity and coming out
- Parenthood
- Self-esteem and self-confidence
- Coping with acute and chronic health problems
If you have questions or wonder if I may be able to help with an issue I have not mentioned, please call 415.508.7664 or email me for an initial phone consultation. If I am unable to help, I will try to help you with referrals to others who might.
