March 2nd, 2011
In my view, the therapeutic relationship is like no other. I approach each client with the view that they have a unique life experience, one that at this particular time in their life has led them to reach out for another’s insight or perspective. The counseling relationship is a collaboration, a joint endeavor, wherein we agree to cultivate curiosity together about whatever disturbance in your life may have motivated you to call me, to choose to visit with me. I prefer to consider life’s conflicts as opportunities in disguise: opportunities to gently and intelligently explore your challenges, imagining that they may lead to insight and opportunity to re-imagine and rejuvenate your life.
First of all, my job is to provide a safe and confidential space for you to begin to relax enough to reflect on your life, relax enough to take the risk to tell another human being what’s really going on for you. I offer the possibility that you might give me the privilege of becoming your ally: someone who is committed to listening closely to your story, compassionately supporting an emerging vision of your life and a fresh direction.
Gradually, I endeavor to cultivate an interactive relationship with you, an alliance if you will, encouraging you and demonstrating how you can develop new skills for living that empower you to make any changes that you aspire to in your life. The therapy becomes a process for exploring fresh options for viewing your life, learning how to hone your awareness wherein you become your own best friend, more genuinely accepting and supportive of yourself.