Kathy's Approach to Counseling & Therapy
People seek out counseling for a variety of reasons. Some simply need support while adjusting to difficult life changes. Others seek relief from unwanted feelings of depression or anxiety. Couples may come to prevent future issues, reconnect, or as a last resort before separation. Parents might want support in helping their child overcome an issue at home, school, or with peers. Regardless of one’s reason for seeking support, everyone deserves a safe environment, free from judgment, where they can explore aspects of their life. I believe that every person, couple, and family is unique and thus attempt not to place labels or apply “cookie-cutter” solutions.
My role is that of a guide helping to promote awareness of the present, explore the past and create solutions for the future. I pride myself on being genuine and honest in both my personal and professional life. Throughout my education and experiences I have learned a diverse range of treatment strategies and have taken bits and pieces from different modalities. For those of you familiar with therapy approaches some common techniques that I utilize are: systems, cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, experiential, strength-based, and solution-focused.
In working with children, I find play therapy and art therapy to be most effective. Many children have difficulty talking directly about an issue and find these non-intrusive methods most comfortable. While I believe that individual work can greatly benefit a child, my most successful child clients have had parents who were highly involved with the process. I encourage the children I am working with to talk openly with their parents about our session, as well as work with the parents to provide them with tools and strategies to use at home.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have about my approach to therapy by telephone or email. Furthermore, I am willing to schedule (when requested and as time permits) a brief meeting, free of charge, with individuals who are seriously considering counseling and want to get a better feel from who I am and how I approach therapy.
