Psychotherapy

Do you find yourself dissatisfied with your current quality of life? Are you feeling trapped in unhealthy patterns? Is anxiety or depression becoming overwhelming? These are common motivations driving clients to seek psychotherapy. This is a safe space to navigate challenges related to mood, emotional regulation, and relationships. 

While parent consultation often involves more than one person, psychotherapy is centered solely on you and your unique needs. It is a collaborative treatment approach grounded in the relationship between an individual and a therapist. As a psychotherapist, my aim is to establish a supportive environment that remains objective, supportive, and accepting. This allows you to acquire essential insights and skills that lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your functioning in life. 

My psychotherapy approach harmoniously integrates elements from both Eastern and Western philosophies, complemented by my studies in attachment-based development and neuropsychology. In the realm of Western philosophy, I hold a degree in existential-phenomenological psychology. On the Eastern front, I have accumulated over 24 years of experience in training in Aikido, a Japanese martial art dedicated to conflict resolution, fostering harmony within oneself and in interpersonal relationships. Most recently, I’ve incorporated Lifespan Integration into my practice, utilizing the latest insights into how our bodies and brains collaborate for personal growth and healing. 

Lifespan Integration: 

Lifespan Integration (LI) is a very gentle method which works on a deep neural level to change patterned responses and outmoded defensive strategies. LI therapy heals deeply and completely without re-traumatizing.     

LI therapy helps people connect unpleasant feelings and dysfunctional patterns with memories of the past events from which these feelings and strategies originated.  Making these connections at a deep level of the body-mind ‘re-sets’ the neural system so that it is more in line with the current life situation.  This ‘re-setting’ happens very rapidly for most people.  After LI therapy, people find themselves spontaneously reacting to current stressors in more age-appropriate ways.  After several sessions of LI, clients have reported that they feel better about life, are more self-accepting, and are better able to enjoy their intimate relationships.   

Lifespan Integration has proven to be a powerful resource for my clients, aiding in the resolution of past traumas that resurface within their present home and parenting environments. Additionally, it has shown efficacy in managing heightened levels of anxiety, particularly in cases where the underlying cause isn’t immediately apparent.  

As you navigate the journey of parenthood, you’ll encounter numerous situations that offer opportunities for personal growth and the healing of past experiences. I view this as a remarkable advantage of parenting, one that is often overlooked. It’s not uncommon to address historical stress and trauma that aligns with the age of my clients’ children, presenting a unique window for healing and transformation. 

I have completed all levels of training in Lifespan Integration and I am working toward my certification. 

For more information on this important method: www.lifespanintegration.com 

Parent Consultation

Have you ever wished to have a conversation with a parenting professional regarding your child’s behavior or your own responses?  

This is precisely what parent consultation offers – an opportunity for you to raise these questions and for me to provide valuable insights. My primary role is to bolster your parenting journey. With over 20 years of experience working with children and their families, I offer you a comprehensive understanding of your child’s development and behavior. Together, we chart a course forward.  

What I often find is that a single query can lead to a series of interconnected questions. Sometimes, we navigate through practical approaches to specific scenarios, while at other times, we delve into comprehending your child’s unique experiences. Additionally, we explore the reasons behind your reactions and work on making necessary adjustments. 

I have extensive experience working with a diverse range of families, and I hold great respect for parents who are committed to their own development. The frequency of these sessions is based on your needs. 

Attachment-Based Developmental Approach: 

In parent consultation, I draw on my studies at The Neufeld Institute. Through this approach, parents discover that they are their child’s most valuable resource. They come to realize that, despite the multitude of “experts” and parenting books, they have an intimate understanding of what their child truly needs.   

My studies at the Neufeld Institute have profoundly shaped my approach to working with parents. The institute’s emphasis on an attachment-based developmental approach offers parents a unique perspective on understanding their children. This approach empowers parents by helping them make sense of their child’s behavior, allowing them to tap into their innate parenting instincts and values. Instead of relying on the latest prescribed parenting methods, the focus is on strengthening the parent-child relationship. 

The Neufeld Institute framework provides a comprehensive guide to understand a child’s experience and the intricate dynamics within the parent-child relationship. This model is instrumental in unraveling perplexing questions such as, ‘Why did my parents need to glance at me only once for compliance, while my child seems to disregard my requests, no matter how many times or ways I ask?’ Upon achieving this understanding, we often discover that seemingly small adjustments can yield significant outcomes. Parents frequently express, ‘It just makes so much sense,’ reflecting their surprise at the minimal effort required once they integrate this newfound clarity into their understanding. 

For more information and wonderful resources:  www.neufeldinstitute.org