The fields of mental health, psychology and human potential are burgeoning with some very exciting ideas at this point in time. Perhaps we are learning, as a species, how to mount increasingly adaptive and effective responses to an array of contemporary and more enduring problems. And it is an interesting time for therapy. Clinicians must apply a variety of emerging and coalescing insights and technologies to the complex lives of specific people living in an increasingly complex world.

My practice revolves around five basic concepts. I emphasize skills acquisition for self-regulation of mood and emotions, and in order to cultivate the resilience necessary to resolve underlying trauma. It is offend helpful focus on executive functions, which refer to a set of (interlinking) skills or processes emanating from the prefrontal cortex region of the brain that allow us to observe, assess, plan and monitor the self and world, internally and externally. These functions allow us to think critically, strategize, sustain and deepen focus, problem solve and achieve self-awareness. They are essential for emotional self-regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. And for achievement in performance areas, such as school and work. I strive to be Trauma-Informed, meaning that I am sensitive to and guided by a comprehensive understanding of the effects of traumatic experience. And I work from an attachment perspective, embracing the central and exceptional role of human bonding in all areas of life. The attachment lens allows us to successfully conceptualize, integrate and address the aggregate of apparently divergent issues. Said different: it can be really helpful for almost everyone and every issue. Finally, I work relationally, which means that connection, trust and rapport create the bedrock for the work. For so many it seems that connection, the positive experience of being vulnerable yet feeling safe in the therapeutic alliance, is the most valuable part of coming to therapy. Sometimes when the work is stuck or feels like it can’t be moved forward, we are at an impasse. Within these challenging experiences are patterns or issues that repeat in a persons life, holding them back. Taking about these challenges can be important and beneficial work and good practice for all of our relationships.