I strongly believe that you can make positive changes in your life and that you can grow as a human being in the process. At the same time I realize that it might be hard for you to see how this is possible if you are overwhelmed by your situation or your feelings. During this period of intense emotions and self doubt, I will be there to understand your fears and your despair and at the same time to support you as you begin to see the possibilities for change.

The most important ingredient in a successful therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. For therapy to go well, it should be one of honesty, trust, respect and caring. I strive to make this possible by being attentive, empathic and non judgmental. How you are experiencing our relationship is an important part of therapy and I welcome any comments or questions you have about anything that I say or do.

I view therapy as a collaborative process- as an extended conversation in which the topic is you and your life- your feelings, your hopes and your dreams. Your role is to talk about what is important to you in as honest and open way as possible. My role is to listen, to help you see the patterns in what you are experiencing, and to help you find resolutions to difficulties using your strengths to improve your life.

I combine insight based therapy with a more actively supportive style. When I am interested in your earlier experiences, it is to understand how they are colouring your reactions to your current situation. I help you to differentiate between the past when you were a child with little power to self-determine and the present when you are an adult and can take responsibility for your decisions and your life.

In family and couple therapy, I focus more on the relationships between people than on the individuals. Of course the individual’s feelings, perceptions and personality play a role and are acknowledged and valued. As much as possible I take a neutral stance, trying to help people recognize one another’s feelings, points of view and needs. If at times I lean towards supporting one person, this is usually a brief temporary alliance often intended to help a person who is having difficulty voicing their feelings. It will usually shift quickly.

In all of my work, be it with individuals, couples or families, my goal is that you leave therapy with the ability to make positive changes in your life based on what you have gained.