What is therapy like with Me?

“You need not, and in fact cannot, teach an acorn to grow into an oak tree, but when given a chance, its intrinsic potentialities will develop. Similarly, the human individual, given a chance, tends to develop his particular human potentialities.”

— Karen Horney, Psychoanalyst

I’ve always loved this quote because it speaks to something I believe deeply about people: we each have the potential to grow, change, and become more fully ourselves. Sometimes we just need the right environment, support, and opportunity to do so.

But what that support looks like is different for everyone.

I’m a Real Person, and So Are You

There’s a common image of a therapist as someone who sits silently, nodding and taking notes while you talk. If that’s what you’re looking for, that’s fine, but you probably won’t find that here.

I’m an active participant in our sessions. I listen carefully, ask questions, share observations, and sometimes challenge you to think about things differently. I bring warmth, empathy, curiosity, and humor to my work, along with more than 20 years of clinical experience.

I want therapy to feel like a genuine conversation between two people. I’m a real person, and so are you. While our roles are different, I believe the relationship we develop is an important part of the work we do together.

Therapy Isn’t One Size Fits All

My training is rooted in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, but my approach is eclectic. I draw from different theories, perspectives, and techniques depending on the person I’m working with and what we’re trying to understand or accomplish.

I don’t believe in fitting people into a particular therapeutic model. I’d rather figure out what works best for understanding YOU and what’s most useful in your life.

Some people benefit from exploring their histories and relationships in depth. Others need help navigating an immediate problem, making a difficult decision, or developing practical strategies for change. Often, we do a little of both.

Therapy isn’t one-stop shopping, and it certainly isn’t one size fits all.

You’re the Author of Your Own Story

Sometimes people come to therapy looking for advice. They want someone to tell them what to do, or at least give them the Cliff Notes version of what’s going on.

And sometimes I can do that.

But ultimately, you’re the author of your own story.

My job isn’t to make your decisions for you. It’s to help you understand yourself well enough to make choices that reflect who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to live.

That means being curious about your experiences, understanding how your history has shaped you, and recognizing patterns that may no longer serve you.

It also means putting that understanding to use.

I want our work together to help you feel more confident in your judgment, more comfortable in your relationships, and better equipped to navigate your life.

Ultimately, I want to help you learn to trust yourself.