Therapists can be stuffy and uptight. I know I’ve been to some of them. When you’re in the office with one of them, you can feel yourself squirming and thinking, “When can I get out of here?” When you see me, you get a real human being instead of a therapy robot that strokes its beard and asks, “How did that make you feel?” at semi-regular intervals.
I have a sense of humor, and I know that you sometimes need a laugh during talking about heavy things going on in your life. I might use a metaphor from your favorite TV show to help you get some insight into what’s going on in your life. And I’m happy to share my story to help you on your journey.
I am also deeply committed to therapy that works. I once worked at a clinic where a client was referred to us after spending four years and $40,000 on psychoanalysis – with little to no results. That’s a story that breaks my heart to this day.
My goal from day one is to get you to fire me. In the very first encounter you have with me, I ask one of the most important questions in therapy, “What would have to be different in your life for you to say, ‘I don’t think I need therapy anymore.’” Once we answer that question, we plan our way backward and continually move you toward your goal.