CHILDREN
With younger children I work through the child's natural language of play, uncovering problems and conflicts and helping the child to resolve them. These often include school related problems, friction with step-parents or siblings, difficulties with social skills or with forming relationships with peers.
Our work may include games, drawing, sand tray work or a combination of approaches depending upon the needs of your child. I will ask to meet with parents periodically to consult about progress and any problems as they arise.
FAMILIES
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to reduce distress and conflict by improving the systems of interactions between family members.
While I may seek to have all family members (affected by the problem) in the room, that is not always possible or even necessary.
This treatment approach is an ideal way of helping family members adjust to an immediate family member struggling with an addiction, serious medical issues, mental health diagnosis or bereavement.
TEENS
With older children and teenagers I tend to use more structured games, artwork and conversation to explore issues as they arise. These may include questions of identity and independence, fear of the future or general feelings of pressure or inadequacy.
After an assessment period of several sessions, I will again meet with parents to discuss my clinical assessment and to develop a working plan for treatment.
In my work with children and teenagers, I strongly value cooperation and collaberation with parents and school staff and will arrange formal meetings or telephone contact at pre-determined intervals.
TEACHING
I continue as a member of adjunct faculty on the Master's in Counseling program at Sonoma State University, a position I have held since 2007.
In addition I teach post-Master's and professional development programs for local non-profit and psychotherapy training agencies. If you would like me to offer training at your institution, please contact me for further details and availability.
ADULTS
I generally meet with adult clients once or twice weekly after deciding on appropriate goals and outcomes. These may be very specific:
" I want to be less anxious at interviews"
or more general:
"I need help forming lasting relationships"
After arriving at achievable goals, and discussing details of my practice, we will decide upon a schedule for our sessions and find the best approach and tools for the therapeutic job at hand.
When you feel satisfied that the initial goals have been met, we may decide to end out work, or move to other, more involved questions. You are free to leave treatment at any time and, of course, are always free to return to treatment in the future.
CONSULTATION
I offer consultation to licensed psychotherapists in the San Francisco Bay Area for cases involving:
- Sexual Abuse
- Mood Disorders
- Child Development
- Family Issues
If you would like to meet for consultation regarding your clinical caseload, please contact me for further details and availability.