“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” —Albert Einstein
My therapy style is active and collaborative.
I’ll help guide the conversation and ensure that we stay on track toward your goals.…
As I reflect on my approach to therapy, one theme stands out — a deep commitment to thinking well. I believe in the power of critical thinking to help us understand the world and make sound decisions while honoring the richness of human emotion. In my work with clients, I strive to foster a balance—helping clients thoughtfully engage their minds and honor their emotional experiences.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
— Marcus Aurelius
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” —Charles Darwin
“Emotions are like children: you don’t want them driving the car, but you can’t stuff them in the trunk, either.” —Dan Siegel
Primary Influences…
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
My foundation for doing this work is inspired by PCT. Thank you Carl Rogers!
PCT defines the therapist as:
- Genuine, deeply involved, drawing on their own experiences to facilitate the relationship.
- Caring to know the clients perspective.
- Accepting the client unconditionally and without judgment.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” — Carl R. Rogers
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
REBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes identifying rigid thoughts and challenging unhelpful beliefs. REBT helps individuals modify these beliefs with more flexible, constructive ones, leading to healthier responses.
“Instead of waiting for perfection, run with what you’ve got, and fix it as you go.” — Albert Ellis
Bowen Family Systems Theory: “Differentiation of Self” (DoS)
DoS is the process of defining yourself. It involves identifying your thoughts and feelings and distinguishing them from the thoughts and feelings of others. It’s about staying connected to others while still being true to yourself. This focus helps with managing emotions, being present, and staying close to people you care about without losing your own identity.
“You can’t control a whole damn family, but you can control you, and anytime you can control you, the family is a healthier organism. That is a reason to become a self. The more you can become a self, the more to your advantage, and the family’s.” — Murray Bowen
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns so that individuals can influence their emotions and actions in more beneficial ways.
“Emotions are not good or bad; they are simply information. It’s what we do with that information that matters.” — Aaron T. Beck
The Gottman Method
In my couples work I tap into the work of John and Julie Gottman which focusses on improving communication, reducing conflict, and strengthening the emotional bond between partners.
“Taking responsibility — even for a small part of the problem in communication— presents the opportunity for great repair.” — John M. Gottman
Stoic Philosophy
Both CBT and REBT were grown out of the principles of Stoic philosophy. In essence, Stoicism teaches resilience, wisdom, and inner peace by focusing on what we can control, accepting life’s challenges, and striving to live out our values and principles.
“The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.” — Epictetus
“The Stoics were not unemotional. They simply knew that constant emotional reactivity was no way to live.” —Ryan Holiday