About My Clients
So many high-functioning adults been impacted by problematic substance or alcohol use — I want to get to know *you*. I don’t care what brought you in. I want to know why. In this culture, mainstream treatment doesn’t inspire hope, self-belief, self-confidence, self-esteem. Being influenced by fear and the disease model might be a good money grab, but it’s not doing people who are struggling any favors. I do things differently compared to my contemporaries. Not better. Not worse. Just different.
My Background and Approach
I’m trained in Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I’m familiar and comfortable with several of the typical co-occurring issues that one sees with someone who is self-medicating. You’re not hooked on drugs or alcohol. You’re hooked on relief. Relief was a great tool for a long time, but it has a shelf life. Recovery is about learning how to become re-regulated when we become dysregulated. We find new tools. You’re the expert in the room. I’m your “Soul Sherpa”. I’ll help you sort through your baggage. :) My approach is solution-focused, not problem-focused. If I’m doing my job well, I’m helping you discover and use your expertise to build the life in recovery you seek. A proud harm reductionist, I support both abstinence and moderation, safer use. I’ll meet you where you’re at, and I’ll always uphold your complete autonomy of where you want to go, or don’t want to go, in therapy.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I believe the best gift we can give anyone in this life is their own life. I believe people want to be seen, heard, known, valued, respected and loved. I believe in not giving unsolicited advice. I believe that today is the story of forever. I believe that you’re capable of becoming a healthier version of yourself. I believe that we are the universe, witnessing itself. I believe a slow recovery is an authentic recovery. I believe our intuition is our greatest teacher. I believe your “life story” does not tell the story of your essence/spirit/whatever. I believe music is a powerful medicine. I believe that about anything creative. I believe my clients are my greatest teachers. I believe in attending my own therapy weekly. I believe in collaboration over competition. I believe in the ripple effect of our words and actions. I believe we cannot save people from themselves, but we can love them. I believe in you. I believe you can achieve and maintain recovery for the rest of your life.