My Therapeutic Philosophy

My approach emphasizes clarity in our work together. When it comes to relationships, this often involves identifying what can either block or inspire a difficult partner or family member to change. This clarity often shifts your perspective on what’s truly needed. I’m deeply results-focused — my goal is to help clients feel they’re successfully moving into a new chapter or resolving long-standing emotional symptoms.

Techniques & Advanced Training

I offer an advanced blend of therapeutic techniques, including EMDR (in which I was trained by its developer in 1992), somatics, and hypnosis, alongside traditional counseling. I studied hypnosis with several experts, including time at the Milton Erickson Foundation and with John Grinder. Additionally, I’ve deepened my understanding of the mind through study with masters of Buddhist psychology, including Zen master Maezumi Roshi and mindfulness expert Jack Cornfield.

Trigger Resolution & Emotional Mastery

I emphasize resolving “triggers” – those spontaneous reactions we have to certain people and situations. Incredible advancements have been made in this area, applying to everything from relationship issues to serious trauma and even medically unexplained symptoms. I have advanced training in processes that resolve triggers that cause us to over- or under-react, making it easier to maintain emotional balance and respond effectively to previously triggering situations.

Diverse Experience with Unique Populations

My experience spans work with diverse populations, including impaired physicians, law enforcement, military personnel, and the general public. I’ve provided presentations and consultation for businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies, and have been a nationally certified employee assistance professional (CEAP).

Communication Coaching & Strategy

I primarily work with people in challenging relationships, parents with out-of-control teens or developmentally disabled family members, and individuals dealing with anxiety, trauma, addiction, depression, and medically unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, and illness. I also coach people on specific strategies and language work for dealing with difficult people in high-stakes situations, whether at home or in legal or business contexts.

Discovering Your Inner Resources

People are often surprised to discover the internal “resources” they possess – memories and personal energy that hadn’t been available to them for resolving their problems. One of my special skills is helping you access these resources so they fully serve you and feel part of you.

Teaching Lifelong Skills

I believe that trigger-resolution skills are extremely valuable, and anyone can learn them. Everyone I work with has the opportunity to learn these skills from me, and I would like to see them become a regular part of our culture. Many clients are surprised by the substantial benefits they gain from a relatively small investment of time and effort.

Guided Experiences & Mindfulness Practice

One way I help impart skills is through guided experiences. Mindfulness is an important skill that you can explore right here through this four-minute guided meditation, which offers the experience of a key mindfulness skill: Pure Noticing: Key to Mindfulness.