What is my Philosophy of Therapy?

My philosophy of therapy is both collaborative and holistic. I view therapy as a collaboration between my clients and myself. In addition to resolving the client’s specific concerns, I hope to empower my clients with the ability to enrich their overall quality of life beyond problem solving. I believe successful therapy embodies deep and abiding respect for the client’s uniqueness, coupled with profound emotional and psychological presence, and the mastery of a wide range of therapeutic skills on the part of the therapist. I also believe in a holistic approach to therapy. I believe it is essential for therapeutic growth to consider the mind, body, and spirit, all of which construct the path we choose in our daily walk through life.

I do not have a “one approach fits all” philosophy of therapy.

Some approaches work well for some people, while other people respond better to a different approach. Having said that, it is probably most accurate to say my therapeutic orientation is based in Family Systems Theory.

Family Systems Theory considers how the complex interactions of relationships influence our current psychological and emotional health. It’s the belief that individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another. Families are systems of interconnected and interdependent individuals, none of whom can be understood in isolation from their families, communities, or society.

Within Family Systems Theory, my theoretical framework is an eclectic blend of Experiential Family Therapy and Feminist Family Therapy. I believe Experiential Family Therapy is a humanistic approach to working with clients. As an Experiential Family Therapist, I believe individuals, couples, and families can change unhealthy behaviors through strengthening their emotional relationships, and begin their growth process by sharing the symbolic meanings of their thoughts and feelings.

As a Feminist Family Therapist, I believe in the value of social justice and its influence on psychological and emotional health. I believe in providing services that are sensitive, strength-based, and respectful toward the diversity and uniqueness to issues of race and ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, worldview, norms, religion/spirituality, social class, life choices, and level of ability that is unique to each individual.

As your therapist, I will strive to understand your goals and help you identify barriers in achieving them.

When old coping strategies are no longer useful, we will build new ones that are more useful in dealing with current life struggles. Therapy, however, is not magic. It requires commitment and work, patience and perseverance, and compassion and persistence. The rewards are great, as you come to see yourself, other relationships, and life in more realistic and healthy ways. You will then be able to make healthier decisions and live a more fulfilled life.