These services are for children, adults and families who would like some assistance in relating more positively with each other or in functioning more effectively within their school, work, or community.

Therapy is a process that strives towards developing a deeper understanding of one's self and the ways in which we interact with others. The process includes developing strategies for resolving conflicts and problems. The process involves attending to feelings, thoughts and behaviors that are reflected in dysfunctional or dissatisfying patterns. The safe environment of the professional therapeutic relationship facilitates personal growth and development. Good rapport and increasing trust are important to the process.

Therapy is a complex and, generally, rewarding process. Some people may feel worse, however, before they begin to feel better as the exploration and understanding of problems brings to the foreground difficult feelings and issues.

The following standards apply to my services. Meetings are scheduled for approximately 45 - 50 minutes. The traditional model provides for weekly sessions, but sometimes it is appropriate to schedule more or less frequently or for shorter or longer sessions. There are additional options such as hypnosis and stress management, medication, and groups that may also be appropriate for you and can be explored.

Choosing a therapist is an important decision. If you would like to discuss the appropriateness of my services, please feel free to call and discuss your concerns. My voice mail is private and confidential. I will return your call promptly.

CHILDREN: Between the ages of five and approximately twelve, children can be provided therapy designed to address a wide range of issues including emotional problems with sadness, anxiety, fear, or anger; behavioral problems of acting out, impulsivity, or defiance; social problems; sleep problems; trauma and abuse; and school-related problems. Parents, teachers and others may be included in the process as appropriate and as agreed upon by the parents.

ADOLESCENTS: Between the ages of approximately twelve and twenty, adolescents can be provided therapy for issues including emotional problems, social problems, family problems, and behavioral problems. Therapy may include the family or others, but the adolescent may have greater latitude in determining how wide the supportive network might be. They may also have may input regarding the confidentiality of their communications.

ADULTS: A range of adult individual therapy services is available. Some people may want help with a specific issue such as anxiety or fear, unhappiness or depression, behavioral problems, transitional issues, anger management, grieving, and others. Therapy that is designed to address these specific concerns is available. Other people may be interested in participating in a process supportive of more general psychological growth and transformation. I enjoy providing all of these services and seek to create a warm, open, and trusting environment that facilitates positive outcomes.

The focus of marital therapy centers on the quality of the relationship between the partners. Communication skills including active listening, respect, and empathy development; problem solving skills; emotional risk taking and intimacy; genuineness; and positive confrontation are among the specific issues that are typically addressed. The dynamics of attachment, caregiving, and affection are explored. Development of a shared attitude and skill set in parenting may also be developed.

Family therapy provides an opportunity to address a variety of areas relevant to family functioning. Therapy may address the quality of the relationship between parents and children and between children exploring whether the attachments are generally secure, anxious or avoidant. Family systems are complex, and therapy may address communication skills, behavioral issues, as well as the quality of relationships. Family systems involving step-parents or adoptive parents have additional potential complexities and may require an educational component to enhance understanding of the special issues involved. Depending on the nature of the issues being addressed, the whole family or part of family may be involved from time to time.