Providing psychotherapy is a privilege and professional calling that I do not take lightly. I believe that providing effective psychotherapy is a function of a philosophy or set of values coupled with an ongoing commitment to the study and refinement of therapeutic skills.

That philosophy, conveyed in centuries of humanistic literature, is that being fully human is a process, an ongoing quest that confronts each of us. That is, we are all evolving, we are all searching, and to a considerable extent we all struggle. Most of us have periods of time when things proceed relatively smoothly, or aspects of our life that are free from conflict or strife. But change, transition, and personal growth can be unsettling, painful, and overwhelming. At such times psychotherapy can be of enormous benefit.

I have continually refined my therapeutic skills by studying human development and a wide array of therapeutic approaches for over thirty years, as outlined in my biographical sketch and C.V. I have also benefited tremendously, throughout my adulthood, from working closely with several wise and caring mentors. I firmly believe that learning to establish supportive relationships is a key task that can enrich and enhance our growth, development and quality of life.

My initial goal in therapy is to create a safe context for each client to explore his or her pain, discomfort or concerns. From my training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic models, I'm interested in exploring the ways in which childhood and adolescent experiences shaped one's strengths, vulnerabilities and expectations. From my training in humanistic and existential approaches, I'm interested in exploring how one's current efforts are helping one feel more alive, creative, and engaged in life-or discouraged, anxious, depressed or otherwise troubled.

Although I help some clients deal with narrow, specific problems that are resolved in a few weeks or months, most individual clients have chosen to remain in therapy with me for a year or longer, because they have experienced greater satisfaction in their life and relief from more symptoms as their therapy has progressed. Couples tend to stay in therapy for a shorter period of time. Some couples remain in therapy for a few months and then contact me intermittently for "tune-ups" or help with new problems.

I'm interested in helping people create greater purpose, fulfillment and meaning. Often that entails helping someone tease out and pursue hopes and dreams-and to confront the obstacles (internal and obstacle) that impede that pursuit. This may include facing anxiety, phobias, depression, addictions, procrastination, or impulse control problems. Pursuing one's hopes and dreams sounds simple, but I appreciate that at pivotal times in one's life this process can be frustrating, discouraging and even terrifying. Pursuing one's vision often requires courage, determination and patience. Psychotherapy can greatly facilitate that pursuit.

Having practiced for over thirty years, I'm able to systematically utilize a variety of skills without being restricted to a narrow orientation. While I may utilize techniques from humanistic, psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems or gestalt orientations, my emphasis remains on helping each client address his or her deepest yearnings and concerns.