A more authentic, creative, & fulfilling life
People choose therapy, psychotherapy or counseling for different reasons (the terms are interchangeable)
Many are seeking help for problems in relationships –with partners, family members or at work. Others are grieving loss or stressed by difficult life transitions such as divorce or career changes.
Some are struggling with depression or anxiety or trying to overcome the ongoing effects of painful past experiences.
Still others sense that they are not living life to the fullest and they are seeking support to change long-standing patterns and habits, to develop creativity or find a deeper sense of purpose.
Working with a therapist can be helpful for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by increasing self-awareness and understanding, developing personal strengths and working towards an improved quality of life.
Here are some questions that people often ask when considering therapy or counseling.
Practical questions about considering therapy.
Does going to therapy mean that I can’t solve my own problems?
The notion that we should be able to silently and individually solve our own life problems is a myth. We are social animals. From the first moments of life, to our final breath, our growth and development primarily takes place through relationships.
Along with the joys and satisfactions of adult life, most of us have times when we face significant difficulties. Whether the problems come from the outer environment, in the form of loss, trauma or the suffering of a loved one, or whether they emerge from within as depression, fear or illness, we each must find ways to navigate these rough waters.
There are times when our best efforts are simply not enough to surmount the difficulty. To recognize that we need help is a sign of wisdom. To reach out and accept that help is a sign of strength. This IS solving your own problems—in the most human way possible, by utilizing the help and support of another person.
How is therapy different from talking to a friend or family member?
The relief that people feel when receiving emotional support or helpful advice from loved ones tends to be temporary. In most cases, advice or support does not address the underlying source of the difficulty. Therapists are trained to address the cause of the problem, with the intention of providing lasting change and preventing similar problems in the future.
Therapy is more than compassionate listening. While this is an important part of therapy, skilled therapists tend to be lifelong students of the human heart and mind. Those of us who practice depth psychotherapy have also devoted decades to understanding the unconscious factors that drive our emotions, desires, choices, habits and relationships. We are skilled at assisting people to make those hidden factors conscious for an increase in one’s deeper conflicts, and old hidden habits. Finally, when sharing problems with a friend, we also have to consider that person’s feelings, and the impact of our disclosure on the relationship. Our loved ones are affected by our problems and they can’t help having a stake in the outcome.
Your therapist is caring and supportive, but she is also committed to helping you as a professional. She is there to give you the space and practice in discovering the best answers to your current situation, not to give you advice or steer your choices. You don’t have to worry about imposing on her, saying the wrong thing, or talking too much or too little. What you say will be held in absolute confidence, so you can express your innermost thoughts and feelings without “real life” consequences. You can explore different ideas or new ways of being and then choose to keep or discard them. The relationship will be there as long as you need it and you are also free to end it whenever you’re ready.
How can I expect to benefit?
The benefits you gain from therapy depend upon your goals in coming, the nature of your struggles and how much conscious effort you put into the therapy process. Here are some common ways that people tend to benefit.
- Taking charge of your life and feeling more confident and empowered.
- Learning to listen and follow your inner wisdom.
- Becoming more mindful and living more fully in the present.
- Making more satisfying choices.
- Healing old wounds and changing repetitive patterns from the past.
- Creating greater contentment.
- Living a more balanced life.
- Developing more fulfilling relationships.
- Exploring your inner self and finding more aliveness, creativity and purpose.
What is your method?
I practice Jungian analytical psychology because I believe your psyche holds profound wisdom that conventional therapy often overlooks. Unlike approaches that focus solely on symptoms or behaviors, I work with you to explore the rich symbolic language of your unconscious mind through dreams, active imagination, and the archetypal patterns that shape your life experience.
My method recognizes that psychological suffering often stems from being disconnected from your authentic self—what Jung called individuation—and through our collaborative exploration of your personal and collective unconscious, we’ll uncover the deeper meaning behind your struggles and help you integrate the shadow aspects of your personality that you’ve been avoiding.
This isn’t quick-fix therapy; it’s a transformative journey toward wholeness that honors both your rational mind and your intuitive wisdom, ultimately leading to a more authentic, creative, and fulfilling life where you’re no longer at war with parts of yourself but instead living from a place of integrated consciousness.