I am interested in helping you feel better and not wasting your time and money. I am direct and honest, in a humorous, easy going way. I don’t just say “How did that make you feel?” or “Mmmm”. I ask questions, make suggestions and give my thoughts, and I don’t think I know you better than you do.

We are all continually telling ourselves stories about ourselves and the world around us. These stories influence what we think and feel and what we think of as possible. My approach is about opening up more possibilities and re-aligning ourselves with our values and hopes instead of being waylaid by hopelessness and frustration.

I don’t assume you need to have regular appointments or long-term therapy. Sometimes one session is enough. I worked with one couple, together for 11 years, for whom the last three had been very difficult and had made them feel that theirs was a hopeless situation. In one session they found hope and figured out how to be on the same team again. One of them wrote this afterwards (used with permission):

"We are well and have more hope than we've had in the past. The session worked very well for me. Terrific insight on your part and the focus on what to do next was and is soooooooo refreshing. Personally, I was impressed and delighted. Thanks so much. You're the first on my list to recommend."

My approach is influenced by “narrative therapy.” If you like to read theory, see these sites:

http://www.narrativeapproaches.com/tensecintro.htm
http://www.dulwichcentre.com.au/questions.html

For couples, I use the Gottman method. I am a trained Gottman therapist. Gottman has studied thousands of couples and his work debunks many of the myths about what makes a relationship work. He and Julie Gottman, his partner, have identified harms to relationships and also what helps strengthen partnerships and families. John Gottman has written a variety of popular as well as academic books. I suggest:

• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

• The Relationship Cure; A 5 Step Guide for Building Better
Connections with Family, Friends, and Lovers

For an article on the weaknesses of couples counseling prior to Gottman click here. See this site if you are interested in Gottman’s approach:

http://www.gottman.com

If you have any other questions about my approach, training, etc., feel free to call me at (415-820-3216)