I start by listening. I want to get to know you as a whole person. We talk about what is important to you, what you hope for, and how you define quality of life. We identify current areas of struggle and challenge in your life, and where you would like to see change and improvement. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious and uncertain. You may be having trouble controlling pain. You may feel burdened by the many decisions you have to make, or worried about the impact of your illness on your family. You may be struggling with the impact of your health problems on your sense of who you are. You may be feeling sadness and grief, and wonder if these are normal given your situation, or if you may be depressed.
We set goals and monitor progress so that you and I both know if you are getting what you want out of the therapy. With your specific goals in mind, we partner together to identify the strengths that you already have, and we build on those. I support you, and, as needed, introduce new resources, skills and health-promoting practices to help you feel better.
I have an active, engaged style. I draw on evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on teaching skills to identify and change unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviors and to replace them with more adaptive ones. I may also introduce mindfulness-based practices to enhance your ability to relax, reduce stress, enjoy the present moment and feel more fully present and alive.
When appropriate, and with your consent, I like to be in contact with your physician and other specialists you may be seeing, so that we can work as a team to provide the best care possible.
I believe that relationships of trust where you can be seen, heard, and known fully are healing. I hope to develop such a relationship with you, and to help you achieve such relationships with others in your life.
I invite you to learn more about me and to contact me.