INDIVIDUAL WORK

I have sought individual therapy several times in my life, when I was struggling with something that I couldn’t resolve on my own. Every time, I was introduced to something transformative, a way of looking at things, or a new way of being in the world, or a means of experiencing myself differently.

All my therapists, teachers, and mentors embodied a common truth: the necessity of bringing awareness into the here and now. This is the field in which change occurs. Without the capacity to enter into the present, we can talk about our problems till the cows come home and get nowhere.

Mindfulness practice cultivates skills in expanding present moment awareness. My training in somatic, or body oriented, psychotherapy, has also enhanced this perspective and provides effective tools to accelerate the process of change.

I truly enjoy the collaborative work we do in individual therapy, as we seek to integrate sensations, emotions and thoughts toward more ease with one’s self, a comfort in one’s own skin, and an orientation toward the life you want to live.

COUPLES COUNSELING

Yep, we can see the same thing but from different angles. It’s usually not the different angles that cause the problem, it’s our fierce attachment to our own subjectivity. This is a root cause of suffering. Just ask the Buddha.

There are good reasons why we become so attached, and untangling that hot little mess can be one of the goals of therapy.

In couples work (or in any relationship), sticking doggedly to our own point of view is a failure to see the other as a separate person. Not surprisingly, this creates conflict. It is a simple distortion...a habitual mistake that, with insight and practice, can be unlearned.

RELATIONSHIPS

Unhappiness with relationships is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, individually or with a partner. This includes friendships, professional connections, family ties (living or dead), and of course romantic relationships.

Previously to becoming a psychotherapist, I enjoyed a career in the creative and business side of documentary filmmaking, working with many colleagues and friends. And we all have our unique histories with family.

My wife and I have been married since 1983. I like being married, and it’s not without its exasperations. The bumps in the road – plenty of them – have taught us how to be on the same side – to want the best for the other. We have two grown daughters who have their own relationship with relationships.

Perhaps it’s my parental nature to want to help people in relationships of any sort, friend, professional, family or romantic. I wish someone had helped me with my early struggles. There really are tools that can help.