HOW I WORK
My work is based on a belief that we all have the answers inside of us about how to make our lives better. This approach empowers you to look within yourself for ways to solve your problems.
I see my job as a coach or guide to help you learn how to do this better.
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SAFE AND CARING ENVIRONMENT
Looking at what we do best and building on that is more useful than focusing on our negative traits or deficits. Yes, we need to take responsibility for our actions, and ourselves, but in order to do that we need to feel safe.
Many of us come from an environment of criticism and shame; but in a safe and caring environment it is possible for you to find your best self. This is the most conducive setting for change and personal growth.
I support an approach to treatment that brings wellness to illness—that allows you to look at yourself from a strong, healthy stance that knows you have things to work on. Once you decide to do this, it is your responsibility to do the work but I am there to guide and support you each step of the way.
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YOU ARE PART OF MANY SYSTEMS
It is my responsibility to help you by providing a safe environment, many tools for growth, and a feeling of cooperation and mutual respect. I inspire you to reach your goals through my own honesty and integrity. In this process, I draw upon my background in coaching, teaching, supporting, bibliotherapy, and my own life experiences.
My training is based on a client-centered humanist approach, primarily using systems theory and cognitive-behavioral theory. This means I view you as a part of all the other systems you interact with in your daily life, and we investigate how they all interact and affect you.
These systems includes your family of origin, your current family, your relationships and work life. Cognitive theory helps us learn that what we think affects how we feel and how we behave. By observing how our mind is working, we can learn a lot about why we behave the way we do. Then, I help you decide what you want to do with this information.
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CHANGE AND GROWTH
Change and improvement come more easily when we are curious about ourselves and develop an observing mind. In our work together, I will help you learn how to be mindful, to notice your impulses, and the behaviors that result from those impulses.
This noticing and acknowledging is three-fourths of the process of creating change. The last fourth is practicing catching yourself and working through the difficult emotions, defenses or ways we self-sabotage ourselves.
I will help you develop a successful “game plan” for change, with small steps that will help you move through this process with more awareness, rather than falling back into unconscious patterns.
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