Each client responds differently to various therapeutic approaches, much like people tend to respond somewhat differently to medicines. Some people prefer a more structured, educative approach to therapy, with exercises to practice and homework to complete. Other people feel comfortable exploring their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in a more free-flowing, experiential manner. Not infrequently, the same person benefits from varying levels of structure through the course of their work. Remaining attuned to what the client needs at a particular time is a central part of my listening process.
A core goal of any intervention is to foster a client’s acceptance of themselves and their experience, while also holding the possibility and benefits of change clearly and consistently in mind. The tension that exists between acceptance and change is a catalyst that shapes and guides my thinking and interventions.
I move among a number of therapeutic modalities, and I typically employ aspects of each in my work with clients, based upon my assessment of client needs and the client’s stated preference. The modalities I tend to employ most frequently include Person-Centered, Dialectical Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral therapies.