What to Expect
There is a magical thing that happens in the therapy room- clinically speaking it’s called the “therapeutic alliance,” but practically speaking, it’s the unique bond that is formed between therapist and client. What you can expect from meeting with me is a warm, welcoming, and sometimes humorous experience. Come on in, let’s get started.
Couples Therapy
Coming into couples therapy can feel intimidating. There is often the notion that only married couples on the brink of divorce seek out couples work, or that couples work spells disaster for the relationship. The truth is, any relationship can benefit from examining what is and is not working within the dynamic. In our couples work together, we will start by meeting for an intake session (1.5 hours) to begin to understand: how each of you are struggling in the relationship, what patterns you find yourselves stuck in, and the changes you would like to see happen. Next, we will schedule individual sessions (1 hour) to further explore what each of your brings to the relationship (e.g., attachment style, experiences from past relationships). Finally, we will resume meeting together ( as a couple) for an hour on a schedule that works for you (typically weekly or every other week). In our sessions you will notice that the type of therapy I practice (EFT) is “experiential” in nature. This means that the changes you will see in the relationship will occur in real-time within the therapy sessions. We will be able to navigate real-life examples to help soothe and restore the attachment to your partner. Something that is unique to this type of work is that I will not be prescribing a set of coping skills, navigating dates night options, or training you in how to respond with rote responses to your partner. Rather, our work will be focused on strengthening the attachment/connection/felt sense of safety with your partner in the room. How does this happen? I start by helping you notice the pattern or “dance” in which you both find yourselves stuck. Next, we will examine what the vulnerable emotions underlying some of the behaviors that feel hurtful or dismissive. Finally, I will help you turn to your partner to share your needs, wants, fears from a place of vulnerability and authenticity. I often describe the work as “getting to the root, not the fruit.” Teaching a set of techniques on how to “fight fair” does not resolve the underlying reasons we fight to begin with, nor does it help us to understand our partner in a more intimate manner. What EFT can offer is a new way of understanding your partner’s most vulnerable parts and recognize how to turn towards one another to help soothe moments of fear, worry, and distress. While this therapy will not prevent you from ever arguing with your partner again, it will provide you with a deeper understanding of, and connection to, your partner; which will help you to navigate hardships moving forward. I look forward to welcoming you into the therapy room.
Individual Therapy
Have you found yourself at a crossroads in life? Do you feel a sense of discouragement around areas of life that have not turned out as expected? Are you struggling to navigate some unexpected obstacles? Welcome to individual therapy. Our work together will begin with an intake appointment (1.5 hours) in which you will get a chance to unpack many of the reasons that you are seeking therapy, and also begin to get a sense of my approach and presence in the room. At the end of our intake, you are welcome to take some time to consider whether you would like to continue meeting with me (typically weekly or every two weeks for an hour each time) or if you are ready to schedule future sessions immediately. The biggest predictor of success in therapy is the therapeutic alliance, or the connection you have with your therapist. Working with me will include: exploring important themes, attachment patterns, and relational connections present in your life. There is also room to explore symbols, meaning-making, and any spiritual beliefs that are important to you. I look forward to supporting you in your therapy journey.
