My Approach

My approach to counseling blends Eastern wisdom with Western science.  I draw from therapy and theoretical approaches including Hakomi, RC-S (Re-Creation of the Self Model of Human Systems) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

Hakomi is a body-centered psychotherapy based in mindfulness that believes that change happens through accessing the interface between our mind and body.  Mindfulness is used to study how we organize our internal experience (i.e. thoughts, feelings, memories, physical sensations, impulses, etc.) from moment to moment.  Using this method we can uncover core beliefs and psychological patterns and revive the body’s knowledge as a resource.  Increasing our awareness and enabling emotional release at this deep level of ourselves, we learn new ways of being in the world and change becomes attainable. 

The Re-Creation of the Self Model of Human Systems (R-CS) believes that we are innately whole human beings, though typically go in and out of limiting trance states throughout our day to cope with life’s stresses.  With this method, we use mindfulness to help us to discover our unique inner resources and to give us tools to shift out of wounded states of consciousness into a more compassionate, inclusive, mature, and connected state of being.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an approach I use with couples to help clients understand their deeper emotions and needs and communicate them in effective ways to their partners. EFT focuses on our attachment styles, our wishes and longings, and our needs important to our personal identity. EFT is one of the most evidence-based, effective modalities to help couples find increased connection, reduce conflict and negative cycles in a relationship, and improve communication.