Introduction
It is a fact of life in our modern world that a great many people live complex, often very stressful lives. Sometimes it is useful, even necessary, to sort things out and work some things through to gain a new perspective, learn new ways of behaving and gain a better, more effective understanding of who you are now.

The difficulties many people face are not because they are sick or even disturbed but because a variety of normal issues are so stressful that adjustments are needed. These normal issues include dealing with developmental stages in life, problems with transitions, difficulties with roles and difficulties with relationships. People seek therapy because sometimes strengths become weaknesses when they are not balanced. Sometimes there are feelings people are afraid to feel and thoughts they are afraid to think. Sometimes old “stuff” lingers and comes back to cause problems. Often there is a need to develop new, more effective ways of coping. Counseling can address all of these issues. The goal is not just to survive but to learn to thrive.

If the above statements make some sense to you, then there is a good chance we can work well together and I may be a good therapist for you.

My approach to therapy
For the most part, I am eclectic, taking a mostly cognitive behavioral approach with doses of reality and client centered therapy, as well as other concepts and skill I have learned along the way. I will help you move in a direction you choose to go, at a pace and to a depth that fits for you. If you are not sure about what direction you want to go, I will help you figure that out. While I am more likely to do short-term therapy, I will do longer, more in-depth therapy when warranted. When approriate, I use hypnosis and mindfulness meditation to assist clients. Humor is an important part of the work I do. The bottom line is respect for the individual.

On working with men
Working through issues is often different for men than women. Due to socialization and nature, exploring difficult thoughts and feelings and dealing with troublesome behaviors do not seem to come as easily to men as women. Yet, at times, this exploration is no less critical for men, just more unfamiliar or uncomfortable. While men often prefer a problem solving approach, sometimes this may lead to a more in depth exploration of their thoughts and feelings. However, whatever the level of exploration, it must always be the choice of the client what he will look at and how fast and how far he will go.

As a psychologist, consultant, teacher and coach, I have extensive experience working with a wide variety of men of different ages, backgrounds, jobs, and other factors. I have worked with veterans, firemen, professional athletes, doctors, entrepreuners, engineers, executives, managers, blue collar workers, retirees, the unemployed and many others. I have dealt with most issues men deal with in their work and personal lives.

On working with women
Women are more likely than men to experience their issues in terms of their relationships with others. By helping a woman better understand how she relates to significant others in her life,  she gains insights into herself. This is important since, ultimately, it is a woman’s experience and understanding of her self that is the path to change. One of the areas I can be most helpful assisting a woman is working though issues related to men, whether it is her partner, husband, father, son, boss, colleague, etc. As with men, it is always the choice of the woman about what she will look at and how fast and how far she will go.

I have worked with a variety of women in a variety of settings. In addition, I have had the privilege of working with outstanding female professional colleagues who have generously taught me so much regarding women, the issues they face and how to assist them.

 On working with diverse populations
The variety of the work settings I have been in has given me the opportunity to work with men and women from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. While I cannot claim to really know and understand any background other than my own (who can), I am familiar and comfortable with people from diverse backgrounds. I seek to assist people to understand and find answers within the framework of their own background, values and beliefs.