My approach
What I bring in, and what I leave out
People who keep a practice often ask what a therapist will do with it. Here is the plain answer, so you can decide before you write.
I bring in a method with a name
Psychodynamic therapy, a talking therapy that pays attention to patterns. I trained in it through the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California.
I bring in your practice, as a subject
We can talk about it the way we would talk about your work or your family.
I bring in the risks, said aloud
Therapy can stir things up. I explain the possible risks and benefits in the first session.
Left out
What I leave out, and why
Mindfulness as a treatment
I do not offer mindfulness or meditation as a treatment for anything. I am not a meditation teacher, and I do not teach it in session.
Spiritual direction
I am a therapist. I will not tell you which tradition to follow, whether to follow one, or how to do your practice.
Medical care
I do not diagnose a medical condition, prescribe or give medical advice. For that, see your physician.
Promises
I cannot say how you will feel or how long this will take. Your fee and schedule are in writing before we start.
If your practice stirs something up
Sitting quietly can bring things to the surface. If that happens, bring it here as a subject, and we will talk about it. If you want guidance on the practice itself, a qualified teacher in your tradition is the right person, and I can help you think about how to ask. If you ever feel unsafe, call or text 988, any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Three questions about my approach
Do you teach meditation, or offer mindfulness as treatment?
No. I am a therapist, not a meditation teacher, and I do not offer mindfulness as a treatment. If your practice is part of your life, we can talk about it. If you want instruction, I can point you to a teacher or a class.
What happens in the first session?
It lasts 50 minutes. I explain how I work, the limits of confidentiality and the possible risks and benefits of therapy, and I listen. At the end we each decide whether to continue.
Am I covered by your license where I live?
My license is from California. By video I see people who are in California during the session. If you are elsewhere, I will help you find someone licensed where you live.
Write to me with your questions
A line or two is enough. I reply within one business day.