Welcome to my Professional Manifesto. I realize that you are looking around here to find more information about me as a person and as a therapist before you make a phone call to set up an appointment. This Manifesto should give you some idea about how I work with individuals in substance abuse treament, codependency treatment, or how I work with individuals when I am completing substance abuse evaluations. I also have information about my education, professional credentials, and professional affiliations posted on this site.
What I Believe about Therapy:
- Therapy is a very intricate experience. It can be easy, uplifting, and fun. It can also be challenging, emotionally draining, and tedious. Sometimes it can be all of those things in the same session! It should not be all one way or the other, there should be balance.
- We are equal partners in the journey; there should be mutual trust and respect in the therapeutic relationship in order for change to happen. If those things are not there, then I am not the right therapist for you.
- Therapy can change your life. I work in the realm of cognitive behavioral therapy, it is backed by science and the research clearly shows that it is effective in changing thought patterns and behaviors.
What I Believe about Clients:
- Asking for help is a sign of courage and determination. With clear intentions and a strong inner focus, you can make significant changes in your life.
- Your thoughts create your beliefs, and your beliefs create your behavior. Perhaps you say “I can’t control my thoughts.” That is a self-limiting belief. You can control your thoughts, and by controlling your thoughts you change your behavior and subsequently change your life.
- You create your own experience. One hour is not very much time out of your week. During the time that you are not in a therapy session, you will have time to ponder our discussions, read additional information, and practice and apply what you are learning to your daily life. Your progress will be quicker and the benefits you experience will increase significantly if you do.
What I Believe about Therapists:
- I have often said that finding a therapist is like finding a good pair of shoes; you have to find a good fit in order for it to be comfortable. I view my role in the therapeutic process as that of a guide. I am not here to tell you what to do, change your mind, engage in argumentative discussion, or cure you.
- In my opinion, therapists should listen more than they talk, pay attention to you throughout the session, ask strategic questions, and provide feedback (as appropriate) in order to help you find an understanding of your own personal questions and answers. This is how I tend to operate.
- Therapists should be educated and trained in providing therapy and in the issues that that clients present. Therapists should also have a clear understanding of their own issues and biases. My training and my awareness of myself helps me to be a neutral observer to your process and to remain present for your journey.