Theoretical Orientation

I have extensive training and personal experience in the following theories, and I utilize them in my work.

• Psychodynamic – Promotes insight and resolving conflicts by bringing unconscious thoughts into conscious awareness so that they can be understood and managed or changed.
• Object Relations – Views relationships as primary, beginning with the mother-infant dyad, and postulates that they lay the foundation for the development of individual identity and become the basis for later relations with others, in friendship, work, marriage, and raising a family.
• Attachment – Describes and explains enduring patterns of relationships throughout life.
• Self Psychology – Emphasizes that self-esteem and vitality derive from and are maintained by empathetic responsiveness of others.
• Cognitive Behavioral - Addresses the role of thoughts and mental images in how we feel and what we do.
• Humanistic – Theorizes that individuals will naturally grow toward self-actualization with the therapist’s personal congruence, unconditional positive regard and accurate empathic understanding.
• Existential - Focuses on free will, responsibility for choices and the search for meaning and purpose through suffering, love, and work.

In our work together, I will draw from the theories that will be most helpful for you.