Individual therapy involves the two of us working collaboratively in a comfortable, private setting.

Through a host of therapeutic techniques--from simple, yet effective talk therapy to various cognitive behavioral exercises--progress is generally experienced in the first session.  Together, in the initial session, we'll clearly define the issues that are causing you problems and create a framework to begin implementing change.  I utilize your current and hidden strengths to assist you with developing healthy coping skills that can be used right away and built upon in the future.  I believe in integrating a holistic approach in order to connect the mind and body and to facilitate them working together toward health and well-being, which takes your therapeutic experience to the next level.  You will not only experience a difference in your situation, but in yourself as a whole system.  As you begin to develop awareness and insight into present and past problems, change occurs and solutions begin to unfold.  I'm well equipped to treat a wide range of individual issues including anxiety, depression, stress management, anger management, codependence, gay and lesbian issues, separation and divorce, infertility, trauma, low self-esteem, life coaching and many others.

Couples therapy involves you and your spouse or partner working with each other and me in a neutral office setting to learn ways of reconnecting, developing effective conflict resolution and establishing open and successful communication.

The dynamics of the couple relationship are complex and always changing as each of you evolves.  Over time, the typical relationship endures new stressors and changes, many of which go unnoticed and unaddressed.  Similar to an automobile that requires maintenance to run smoothly, periodic couples therapy greatly helps a relationship.  However, unlike a car, which can be neglected for so long that it becomes impossible to repair, relationships are remarkably resilient, despite how hopeless or broken they may appear from the inside.  I have successfully treated hundreds of couples who believed they had passed the point of no-return and felt they were simply giving therapy one last shot before the inevitable breakup or divorce.  My immediate focus is to show couples how to reconnect and develop fondness and admiration for each other again.  In most cases, this helps to relieve the sense of hopelessness and helps to remind couples of why they fell in love in the first place.  Next, because change is an inevitable part of life and often involves conflict, I teach couples how to cope with change and resolve their conflicts by finding each other's bottom line, learning to live with it and eventually honor it.  The result is a new level of mutual respect and admiration.  Many couples find that just by the initial break in their negative cycles of interaction, a ripple effect begins to happen, and new patterns of communication are established; couples turn toward each other rather than away and begin reinvesting in the relationship.  It's a remarkable and rewarding experience to be a part of these changes and observe romance finding its way back into the relationship!  I utilize many of the principles and practices of John Gottman, Ph.D, a leading research scientist on marriage and family therapy.

Although gay and lesbian couples experience many of the same trials as heterosexual couples, there are different family, social and sexual issues specific to this lifestyle.  I have specific experience and expertise relating to and treating these issues as well.

I also provide pre-marital counseling for couples looking to start their marriage off on a solid foundation and work out any difficulties prior to taking their vows.  This course meets all requirements set by the Clerk of Courts.  Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion to present to the Court resulting in a discounted marriage license with no waiting period.