I have always felt driven to hear and understand people and their relationships since I was a kid. As I got older I learned about different careers and avenues in which I could use my values and interests to help other people. When I came across the educational programs and career for a Marriage and Family Therapist (which also allows me to see individuals) I had no question in my mind that this was my professional future.
Couples, Teen/Young Adult, DBT, ACT
In my sessions, my style tends to be calm, optimistic, and understanding. I believe these traits stem directly from my values and personality.
In addition to my interest in therapy and my commitment as a husband and father, I am also a mixed martial artist and self-defense enthusiast, I enjoy tinkering/making with cars, motorcycles, 3D printing, DIY, etc., and I also enjoy karaoke with family and friends when I get the chance.
A key concept in my approach is the idea of personal values. These are the ideas that are meaningfully enriching to someone and that provide a sense of fulfillment when they guide our commitments. It is in this way that I custom tailor my approach to the client's identified values at that given time in their life. Typically a client's needs are reflective of these values and can help inform and customize their course of treatment.
I would take any opportunity to debunk the myth that receiving therapy is a sign of weakness. Starting a therapy service is no more a sign of weakness than going to the hospital for a broken leg would be. It is more a sign of strength and rationality than weakness. In my opinion, everyone could benefit from therapy and those who seek it out when needed are ahead of the game.
If there was one technique that I believe would help most people under most circumstances it would be to practice mindfulness. Often when clients experience spikes in distress their attention feels drawn to unhelpful thoughts or behaviors. Mindfulness allows someone to place their attention where THEY want it to be at any given time, even during times of high anxiety and distress. The ability to only pay attention to the air entering and exiting your lungs as if nothing else existed for the next 2 minutes is a game changer. Highly recommend.
After just one session with me as your therapist, I hope that you take with you the confidence and optimism that better days are ahead, the change you want has started, and that you have a dedicated coach in your corner. I know that that is three things not one, but I can't apologize for wanting the best for my clients.