My Approach
Clear, engaged, and focused on helping you create real change—in how you think, feel, and relate
Most people come to therapy after trying to solve the problem on their own. You may already have insight into what’s happening—but still find yourself stuck in the same patterns, having the same conversations, or reacting in ways you wish you could change.
One of the most common things I hear from clients is that previous therapy felt like “just talking,” being over-validated without direction, or repeatedly being asked how they feel without anything actually shifting.
That’s not how I work.
I take an active and engaged role in session, helping you understand what’s happening while also working with you to respond differently in real time. Therapy is not just a place to process—it’s a place to practice, adjust, and create change that carries into your life outside of session.
A Structured, Responsive Approach
I begin with a clear understanding of what you’re dealing with and a plan for how to approach it. That plan isn’t rigid—it adapts based on what you need—but it ensures that therapy stays focused and purposeful.
Sessions often include a combination of:
- Slowing down key moments as they happen
- Practicing new ways of communicating or responding
- Identifying patterns that are easy to miss in the moment
- Assigning simple, practical exercises to continue progress outside of session
I also use modeling and guided interactions (enactments) to help you experience something different in session—not just talk about what could be different.
The goal is to leave sessions with something you can use, not just something to think about.
Different Problems Require Different Approaches
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. The way I work depends on what you’re dealing with, while staying grounded in a consistent focus on clarity, accountability, and meaningful change.
Compulsive or Difficult-to-Change Behaviors
When behavior feels repetitive or out of control, the focus is on understanding the cycle and interrupting it in a realistic way. This includes identifying triggers, understanding how urges build, and recognizing the moments where change is most possible.
I integrate motivational interviewing, relapse-pattern work, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help make sense of both the behavior and the internal pull toward it. This allows us to work on both accountability and skill-building, so change is not just intention—it becomes something you can follow through on in real situations.
Relationship Conflict & Communication
When couples feel stuck in arguments, distance, or repeated misunderstandings, the goal is to shift the pattern—not just improve surface communication.
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) alongside cognitive and behavioral work, we slow conversations down and work directly with what is happening between you. This helps each partner express themselves more clearly while also learning how to respond in a way that leads to connection rather than escalation.
Sexual Concerns & Dysfunction
When sex isn’t working, the focus is on reducing pressure and rebuilding a more natural, connected experience.
This often involves working with anxiety, expectations, and communication, while introducing structured exercises such as sensate focus to rebuild comfort and confidence. The work is guided, practical, and paced so that change happens through experience—not pressure.
Individual Work
For individuals, therapy focuses on patterns in thinking, behavior, and emotional response that are keeping you stuck.
Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance-based approaches, we work on helping you respond more intentionally rather than reacting automatically, especially in situations that tend to repeat.
How This Comes Together
While these approaches differ depending on the problem, the focus remains consistent.
We work to understand what’s happening, stay grounded in the moment, and create opportunities to respond differently—both in session and outside of it.
This isn’t just about insight—it’s about creating a different experience.
What You Can Expect
You can expect therapy to feel active, focused, and collaborative.
I will ask direct questions, offer guidance when it’s useful, and help you stay with conversations long enough for something meaningful to shift. At the same time, the space remains respectful and nonjudgmental—you won’t be pushed or criticized, but you also won’t be left without direction.
For many clients, this balance is what makes therapy feel both productive and supportive.
Start Here
You don’t need to know exactly what approach you need—that’s part of the process.