Individuals

Individual Counseling

Our families of origin are where we learn to be human. They are where we learn how to love and be loved, how to solve conflicts, and navigate relationships. Starting in childhood, to our adult life and relationships, and our later years, the impact of our family of origin carries through. These impacts can be both positive and negative and can shape various aspects of an individual's life, including their emotional well-being, relationships, beliefs, and behaviors. Though family of origin can have a profound influence on an individual, it is not determinative. In individual counseling I utilize a contemporary Gestalt approach that focuses on the present moment within the context of an individual’s history. Gestalt counseling emphasizes self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the exploration of emotions and behaviors in order to empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives and take control of their own growth and development.

  • By exploring the past within the context of the present moment, gestalt therapy helps individuals make connections between past experiences and current struggles. Individuals with anxiety and depression often experience inner conflicts and fragmentation, we can work integrate these fragmented parts by examining past experiences, unresolved issues, and unmet needs. Gestalt therapy can increase self-awareness and acceptance, reducing internal tension and promoting emotional wholeness.

  • Gestalt therapy focuses on increasing self-awareness, exploring the present moment, and promoting personal responsibility, all of which can be valuable when facing significant changes in life. This approach helps individuals accept and come to terms with the reality of the transition, explore and process grief that may be related to change, and provides a safe space for them to explore their fears, anxieties, and resistance. This can empower individuals to take an active role in navigating the transition, making decisions, and setting goals.

  • It is essential to establish a secure and nonjudgmental environment in which individuals feel comfortable exploring their trauma. Within the safety of this relationship individuals can begin to explore their experiences at their own pace, working to become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. This can help identify the triggers and responses as well as allow individuals to fully experience and express their emotions related to the trauma. Traumatic events often lead to fragmented or disowned aspects of oneself. Gestalt therapy helps individuals integrate these fragmented parts of their identity, promoting a sense of wholeness and self-acceptance.

  • By becoming more aware of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the present moment, adults with ADHD can recognize the specific ways in which their symptoms manifest and impact their daily lives. My work with adult ADHD integrates a CBT approach focused on teaching practical skills and strategies such as time management, organization, planning, and goal setting. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or self-criticism, better understanding these feelings can self-acceptance and self-compassion, helping adults develop a more positive self-image.