My goal is to co-create a working relationship with you where personal transformation is possible.

At times, I wear a more traditional therapist hat, asking questions and encouraging you to explore your thoughts, feelings and actions. I also act as a coach, giving you encouragement and providing emotional support as you do what it takes to make changes in your life. I can be direct, calling you on your old patterns when I see them. I can also listen and witness when you are in the vulnerable place of speaking from your heart.

Therapy, like church, is not something you do for one hour a week. It is a living practice. I will sometimes encourage “homework.” This could be something as simple as doing a certain task, reading a relevant article, or a doing some sort of mindfulness practice. As the therapeutic relationship is established, I also offer something I call “field therapy,” where I can do a home visit or even coach you in the parking lot of an audition or job interview.

Some specific approaches I use include:

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is the practice of becoming aware or some of your “negative” thoughts and replacing them with more constructive thoughts. As an example, you can use CBT skills if you would like to be less self-critical, and become kinder to yourself. I often use CBT with people who are trying to change their thought and behavior patterns.

DBT, or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, is basically a set of practices that help you regulate your emotions. It includes techniques like taking “Opposite to Emotion action.” Most change involves at least a little fear. Using a few basic DBT skills can help you get through that anxiety. The word “dialectical” refers to the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts in your mind at once–the move away from black-and-white thinking and towards more in-between, nuanced thinking is considered a sign of mature thought!

I am also indebted to existential psychology and the depth psychology of Carl Jung, as sometimes it can be helpful to shift your thinking from the personal to the human experience or the symbolic in order to gain a different perspective. Dream analysis can also be a useful practice in helping you move forward.

Services I provide:

• Free initial phone or office consultation (20-30 minutes)
• One-on-one counseling sessions for ages 12 and older (50-60 minute sessions)
• Couples counseling (80-90 minute sessions)
• Band counseling (80-90 minute sessions)

I run a three hour workshop on “Surviving and Thriving as an Artist” (please contact me for details).

In addition, I am available for speaking engagements on a variety of subjects concerning Psychology and The Arts, and have given presentations on topics ranging from Introversion/Extraversion to The History of Punk.