Humanistic Therapy

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”- Carl Rogers I am here to walk with you on this destination, to support you, provide you with navigation and tools. To be a witness, a guide and a cheerleader.

Bringing a humanistic perspective to my work means that I see each client as naturally possessing capacity to grow toward greater health and wellbeing. My role as therapist is collaborative, empathetic and supportive. Your unique strengths, perspectives and experiences are regarded with care and respect in the present moment and you are supported in finding greater self-awareness and your own best answers to current challenges.

My approach to treating trauma, anxiety and chronic pain is all about you. I’ll do my best to reduce stigma and shame around your experiences when we’re working together. I’ll listen deeply, as clarifying questions to make sure our work is helpful and I’ll invite you to get comfortable: take walk, move around on a yoga ball, or get cozy under a weighted blanket.

You're human! I'm human! That's where we're all starting from, meaning that we're therapist and client second. So I know I'm going to mess up from time to time; I invite you to take a chance and mess up sometimes too. Let's own what happens and get into the muck together. In the meantime, I really believe in your strengths (and will highlight them A LOT), and will work SIDE-BY-SIDE with you to figure out what you need and how to get it.

Related to my interest in Feminist Therapy, I also use Humanistic approaches in my work. By this, I mean that in our work together, we will consider all parts of you and help you to realize your full potential in life. I believe that we are each greater than the sum of our parts and that we are better people and more engaged in our lives and our communities when we have greater understanding of ourselves and others.

"Whatever your story, you no longer need to be alone with it. This is what will allow your healing to begin."~ Carl Rogers. Rogers believed that the therapeutic relationship was at the forefront of the healing process. As a Person-Centered therapist, I take the time to build that therapeutic trust, so that you can feel comfortable, safe and supported. The direction of therapy is your choice as i am here to support you and walk alongside you on this journey to growth and healing.

I believe the client is the expert on themself, and I am here to support them in their own process. I can provide resources along the way, but I don't have the "answers"--you have them within yourself already.

I provide mindfulness, acceptance and compassion based therapy.

I believe that one of the greatest minds psychology has ever seen was Carl Rogers, the developer of person-centered therapy and one of the leading minds of the humanistic movement in the middle of the 20th century. I try hard to practice unconditional positive regard, congruence, and accurate empathy with each of my clients.

Humanistic therapy focuses on a person’s individual nature. Humanistic therapists aim to consider the whole person, especially their positive characteristics and potential for growth, not only from their professional viewpoint but from a client’s own personal sense of their behavior. The emphasis in sessions is on a person’s positive traits and behaviors and developing their ability to use their instincts to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment.

I incorporate elements of Humanistic Therapy into each session, notably Unconditional Positive Regard of my clients. It is important that I build a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients and show them acceptance.

Humanistic theories of therapy generally mirror the basic techniques of therapy taught to all social workers during their master's program. In other words I strive to be client-centered, strengths-based, solution-focused, and authentic. I try to blend pragmatism and warmth and adapt to your needs, even when that means some limited strategic self-disclosure or directive guidance when requested. But creating a safe and nourishing space is always a prerequisite to the use of other techniques.

Humanistic Therapy takes a whole person approach to healing and self growth; looking an individuals social, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

In my quest to deconstruct the controlling beliefs of my conservative Christian upbringing, I felt drawn to the principles of humanism. Specifically, I studied existential therapy throughout my graduate studies. I have written on the topics of humanism and therapy, and I continue to study philosophy in an attempt to better understand how to connect to diverse people in therapy.

Humanistic Therapy, in harmony with CBT and Contemplative Therapy, amplifies our journey to self-discovery. By utilizing our strengths, it empowers growth where needed. My goal is to help individuals, couples, and families embrace their unique worldviews, aligning with Humanistic Theory's focus on personal growth and self-actualization. This integrated approach enriches lives through a holistic exploration of the self.

My goal is to consider the whole person, especially your positive characteristics and potential for growth, not only from my professional perspective but from a your own personal sense of behavior. The emphasis in my sessions is on your positive traits and behaviors and developing your ability to use your instincts to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment within yourself.

I am eager to help you improve your everyday well being and together we will create a safe space to do so. I will be focused on listening and supporting you within a nonjudgmental environment.