Pray. Ask for what you need. When there’s so little you can control, you feel so powerless. Seeking peace during times like these, people are relying on faith more than ever. Even people that have never followed any established faith tradition are finding themselves praying. In my personal life and in the 40+ years of helping people, my experience is that sooner or later in life we face things that are bigger than us. Whether it’s the alcoholic turning to their “Higher Power” or a when you lose a loved one, people find themselves saying, “Help me.”
Read MoreHappiness . . . Peace of Mind . . . Joy . . . Connection
What We're All Looking For
Services
PERSONAL
Work through the changes you want to make in your own life . . . Overcoming anxiety, managing your anger, getting on top of depression. Receive practical guidance from an expert. Discover answers for the questions that have plagued you. Finally find solutions for the things that have held you back for so long.
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COUPLES
Scientific studies over the last 2 or 3 decades have given us real facts about what makes relationships work. It isn't a matter of opinion or theory anymore. You can quickly learn tools and insights to make your relationship better. Choose from several ways to achieve these changes:
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COACHING
If you are doing OK with your life, but you're running into obstacles pursuing a practical goal, coaching may be your choice. We can schedule 15-60 minute touch-points on the phone to clarify steps to take towards your goal. It is crisp, focused, and action-oriented. Also, while in counseling to solve a problem, I can offer practical input between sessions to improve your progress more quickly.
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ASSESSMENT
Save time and money by taking scientifically proven tests that pinpoint exactly what's going on for you as a person, or as a couple. Like x-rays at the doctor, assessments provide an accurate, quick understanding of the hidden causes of the roadblocks that keep you from moving forward, and then pinpoints the direction needed for change.
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About
Practical Approach
In contrast to many other therapists, I offer my clients practical guidance and answers to your questions. I have gained the experience to be able to quickly connect with you, understand what you're dealing with and point the direction for change. We will work together to see real changes in your life, results you can recognize.
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Integrative Therapy
Many people have questions that have a spiritual element, whether trying to understand your purpose in life, trying to get your mind around the suffering you've had to deal with, or the painful experiences you may have had with organized religion. You may want guidance from a spiritual perspective too, not just psychological. While I am most familiar with Christian tradition, you have the option of discussing your own spiritual experience and reflection.
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Professional Expertise
In practice for over 40 years, I bring skill and experience at the Master Therapist level. I was a professor for 10 years at a graduate program for Marriage and Family Therapy, and have also supervised over 25 Interns. With a team of other professionals, I established and led a multiple-office counseling network in the Bay Area, and have also presented numerous seminars, workshops, and retreats for a variety of organizations. I have obtained 18 hours per year of continuing education from experts in the field of psychology.
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What To Expect
The first appointment introduces me to your situation as I listen to your story and begin thinking about how to approach what you're working on. You are also getting a feel for me and if I'm the right therapist for you. . . It should "click" and should feel comfortable and natural. You or I may also decide to seek another therapist especially if your concerns would be better served by a specialist.
We usually have a plan we can begin working on by the end of the first session, and I may even suggest some homework to start trying. It will become more and more clear what is holding you back from the life you want to live. Most issues need weekly sessions to build the new habit patterns and maintain progress. The changes will come as you change what you decide to do as you deal with your life.
Fees
My usual fee is $280 assuming a solid income. Let' talk about that when you call. In addition to considering discounts, we can change the session length, or refer you to my one of the Interns I supervise in my practice (who are in training or have completed their degree, but working on licensure). Most insurance plans will cover part of your counseling. The length of therapy depends on the complexity of your issues and your commitment to the process. Don't let your financial concerns keep you from getting the help you need during this crisis.
Therapy may be longer or it may be shorter. But it will become clear to both of us when you're maintaining the changes on your own and it’s time to stop. We'll agree on a date, and sometimes we will schedule a followup session, but we will usually taper off the sessions to every other week and then once a month for awhile, rather than just stopping all at once. You can also maintain follow-up coaching if you would like.
Ready to Pursue Your New Future?
Blog
Much of what is going on in the Coronavirus crisis is fear. Thank goodness we know a lot about overcoming fear. Medical and psychological research has developed effective tools to overcome anxiety, and we can use those tools to fight fears about Covid 19. One surprisingly effective technique that is easy to learn is deep breathing.
Read MoreAre you struggling with something in your life? Not sure what do about it? Hesitant to ask for help? Instead, consider asking... ask for help from others around you, or from above
Read MoreAnxiety feels like it just happens to us. You have a fight with a friend, and you don't know what they will do. You made mistake at work and your boss is not happy. Or sometimes panic just hits you out of the blue. How do you get free of it?
Read MoreAre you tired of the same cycle happening? It's always that you catch them trying to get away with something, and yell at them, or ground them, but there's always alot of turmoil and fuss. Consider a way to approach parenting that can result in an atmosphere of warmth and enjoyment.
Read MoreThere is this paradox that although you may want to protect yourself from rejection, you have to risk it in order to be close. You have to reveal yourself to another if you want intimacy, but they may not like what you show them.
Read MoreMaybe we don't become a better person by critiquing ourselves. Maybe its more by discovering that we ARE a better person the we believe we are.
Read MoreYou want to be free from anxiety. Part of what it has to do with is where you focus your attention. Learn here a tool that really works
Read MoreThe Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic creates an environment with his musicians that allows them to be their best. Learn his secrets for good leadership, ones shared by coaches like Steve Kerr or authors like Steven Covey
Read MoreWhen faith is real, you know it. It is winsome and healthy. It is life giving. It leads you to growth and peace of mind. But there is alot that passes for true faith, what is claimed comes from God that turns out to be something else. You may want to ground your life in spiritual truth, but how do you find your way?
Read MoreWhen you actually follow Jesus, you don't believe you are better than anyone else. The premise of being a Christian is you can't really do it right. You accept others because you have been accepted. So why do we have such a struggle with that?
Read More“All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.”
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