I first entered my own therapy in 1990, as a result of being diagnosed with depression. Looking back after a year of weekly sessions, I was struck with how it helped me understand what had not been clear before–things like why was my mother’s love for me so stingily given, and how had that affected my finding the love of a good man, and my own love for myself. I found I was now making real and rewarding changes in my life. After another year of therapy I began to imagine what it might be like to be the kind of therapeutic companion and guide to others that my own therapist had become. The year after, I enrolled in graduate school to pursue a Masters in counseling psychology.
It was a long, arduous road from graduate school to internship, passing the tests for licensure, to finally becoming a licensed therapist (for me a 8 1/2 year process), all while working full time.
Now, nearly twenty-five years later, my love for the healing power of psychotherapy has not changed. I still believe it is one of the most powerful ways we have to help us begin to know ourselves on a deep level and to heal the old wounds that keep us from finding the best in ourselves and accessing it.
“What is therapy with me like?” you may be asking yourself at this point. I will do my best to explain that process here. When I meet you as a new client, my first intention is to put you at ease and find out what brought you here. My hope is that in the first few sessions we will form a real alliance, with me feeling a deep empathy for you, and you building trust in me and the process.
I was schooled in the teachings of Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and father of depth psychology, and his philosophy guides me. I also consider James Hillman, the founder of archetypal psychology, an important mentor. So how does that show up in your session? In short, it shows my recognition and respect for the psyche or soul that is the highest part of you. It also indicates that I am aware of the patterns that people may find playing out in their lives. If this all sounds a little too abstract, believe me, it isn’t—it does reveal itself in our work.
Book a Therapy Session
If you looking for a way to know yourself better, to enjoy happier and more authentic relationships with others, to let go of old hurts while discovering, and finding the best of yourself, call me at 760-846-6650 to make an appointment. Leave your name, telephone number and times when you can best be reached. If you wish to include any information about reason(s) you are seeking therapy, you may do so. All information will be held in the strictest confidence. Therapy sessions are scheduled by phone only.
Qualifications
- California License MFC39262
Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA, M.A. Counseling Psychology 1996
Hypnotherapy Training: Southern California Society of Clinical Hypnosis