I believe that all persons possess a natural core of resilience, but that life experiences often block or limit access to this storehouse of strengths. I see my role in your therapeutic work as that of a guide and facilitator on your journey of growth and healing. I believe that relationship is primary in the work of psychotherapy, and that creating a compassionate and supportive relational connection is essential to this work. My approach is collaborative - I aspire to work together with you to create a process that will empower you to grow and heal by deepening your connection to yourself, to others and to Nature.
My approach to the process of psychotherapy has been most influenced by the following treatment theories and philosophies:
Humanistic psychology is focused upon human potential, and stresses the importance of personal growth and self-actualization. The fundamental belief of humanistic psychology is that people are innately good and that mental and social problems result from deviations from this natural tendency.
Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are a client’s self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior.
The biopsychosocial model states that a combination of biological, psychological (thoughts, feelings, behaviors), and social factors (such as cultural, socio-economical, and socio-environmental) are involved in the causes and manifestation of health and disease.
In its simplest form, ecopsychology holds that connection to nature is a part of our genetic heritage as human beings and necessary for our survival. Deepening connections to nature is seen as an important contributor to mental and physical health.
PNI is the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body. PNI takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating psychology, neuroscience, immunology, physiology, genetics, pharmacology, molecular biology, psychiatry, behavioral medicine, infectious diseases, endocrinology, and rheumatology. The main interests of PNI are the interactions between the nervous and immune systems and the relationships between mental processes and health.
Mindfulness Based Approaches are designed to deliberately focus one’s attention on the present experience in a way that is non-judgmental. Mindfulness-based approaches and contemplative approaches are becoming widely accepted methods for relieving symptoms related to many psychological issues.