My Approach to Psychotherapy

At the heart of my work as a therapist I help people learn the remarkable ability they have to make positive change for themselves.

So often when we feel sad, hurt, confused, or lost we forget that change is possible. A part of us becomes convinced that there is no way out of the heavy, numb or anxious feelings we carry inside. We judge and criticize our thoughts and actions. We may push away friends and family. And we can lose the ability to see ourselves as vibrant, caring, flexible and creative beings.

With care, skill, playfulness and heartfelt attention I bring a new perspective to your specific situation. As a psychotherapist I get interested with you about how to respond to your inner conversations, and outer world interactions, in ways that create more balance, love and happiness in your life, instead of creating more stress. When we feel safe and seen for who we are, with all of our spirit and foibles, we can access our ability to change in healthy ways. Working on our own psychological complexity in therapy allows us to accept - and over time have compassion for - the psychological complexity of others.

When we realize that we are not stuck in any one way of being, we become curious, passionate, kind, and caring with ourselves and others. This informs my approach as a psychotherapist. When you have the direct experience of creating positive change in your life, and overtime learn you are skilled at creating long lasting change, you can meet life’s challenges from an internal place of security, strength and competence.

As a psychotherapist I work with you to break negative emotional cycles and support you to open up to fresh information about yourself, the world and your options for relating to both. My intention as a psychotherapist is to help you engage in your life, with your family and community in a fulfilling and vital way long after therapy is completed.

In my work with adults and couples, I offer an approach that integrates psychodynamic therapy, expressive arts, somatic therapy and contemplative practices. To create long lasting healthy change, tending to our somatic (body) reactions, as well as our mental and emotional responses, can help us heal more fully. The body and the mind each have their specific ways of reacting to stress and trauma. And both play an important role in how we are able to move through distress towards self-regulation and healing. Investigating both in session can connect you to your fullest potential for positive change. Depending on your particular needs I may use a combination of therapeutic approaches including: psychodynamic, somatic, parts work, Jungian, humanistic, contemplative psychology and cognitive behavioral.

There are many ways we can work together in a therapy session. Depending on your needs and sensitivities, I may suggest we investigate your thoughts and feelings by talking, drawing, writing, working with clay, painting, looking at your dreams, meditation, movement, or focusing on your body awareness. I may make some suggestions as to possible tools we can use, but it is always up to you to decide what feels right in the moment.

I welcome working with diversity in its many forms as I was brought up in an environment influenced by two different cultures and religious backgrounds. Respecting different perspectives and traditions is an important part of my approach to individual and couples therapy.

I can be reached at 415.721.3355 or by email to discuss how my San Francisco psychotherapy practice can meet your specific needs. To learn more about my thoughts and approach to psychotherapy, you can read the articles on my psychotherapy blog.

FAQ About My Therapy Practice