Warm welcome - glad you're here.
My approach as a counselor is founded on a core belief in the basic goodness of people. In spite of the myriad ways we struggle inside, we're all trying to be happy and comfortable in our bodies, relationships, and daily lives. As your counselor, my intention is to help you know yourself better, develop healthy patterns that reflect your true self, and deepen your appreciation for the precious moments of your life.
Along with evidence-based approaches for change including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), my clinical work as a therapist relies on training and experience with:
- Mindfulness practices. I regularly teach breathwork and body/nature awareness practices, both for soothing the nervous system and for gaining access to inner wisdom.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS). This psychological approach supports developing healthy relationships with our inner voices (even those that we don't especially like!) and, in doing so, uncovering our inherent goodness. It can be effective for in-the-moment relief as well as deep insight and growth.
- Buddhist philosophy and psychology. My therapeutic approach is influenced by learned understanding of how the mind works, including how unhelpful thinking can get in our way. It is a very human tendency to view your identity and perceived inadequacies as fixed and permanent - it is valuable to explore whether or not this is so.
It's important to say that my counseling practice is strongly influenced by life experiences. I am a husband and father, and highly value my relationships with family and friends. I have traveled extensively, lived and worked overseas, with particular draws to Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. I'm fortunate to have spent lots of time in the high mountains, on rivers, and in desert canyons. I've done environmental consulting as a Professional Civil Engineer, served as an experiential educator and trip leader, and spent several years directing an educational non-profit. Along with my private practice as a psychotherapist, I'm currently adjunct faculty in the Counselor Education program at University of Southern Maine. For my continued growth, I regularly immerse myself in wild nature, cross-cultural journeys, and contemplative retreats. The beauty of wild places, both inner and outer, brings me alive. I believe my varied professional background and personal experiences benefit my work with clients.
I look forward to meeting you - I hope I can be of help.