(He/Him)
I call my practice Authentic Being for two reasons. First, the way I see it, authenticity is the goal of therapy: We often come to therapy because something is getting in the way of our being our most authentic, powerful selves. Therapy is where we practice being the authentic selves we’d like to be in real life. Second, I can’t expect you to show up authentically if I don’t show up authentically. Therefore, the name of my practice is the name of my practice, which is bringing my authentic self to every session.
My job as a therapist is to create and sustain a compassionate, curious, and non-judgmental space: I’d go as far as to call the space sacred, given that life so rarely offers it on its own. Often, spending some time in this space is enough to awaken our inherent resilience.
Past this, my job is to follow your lead. Maybe you’re compelled to discover the roots of your depression or the triggers for your anxiety; to unpack a recent altercation, shutdown, or breakdown; to strategize or role-play a looming difficult conversation. If that’s what you need to do, then that’s what we’ll do.
Ultimately, I believe people know where they need to go to grow, even if this knowledge is unconscious. My job is to help you bring this into consciousness. This may look like you showing up to therapy and saying, “I’m not even sure where to start.” That’s okay. It means you’re showing up as you are, and I might ask: Is there anything more courageous than showing up just as we are?
Authentic Being
REMOTE INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
for adults and adolescents in Oregon and Washington
What we can work on together.
-
Other people’s needs are always more important than mine. In fact, sometimes it’s hard to tell what my needs are.
I fear being alone, or saying no, or expressing myself.
Criticism and rejection seem to affect me more they do others…
-
I find myself thinking I am worthless or broken, or worth less and more broken than others.
-
I sometimes wonder who I even am, like I’ve never known my true self.
-
My mood and motivation are low.
-
Sometimes my thoughts and my heart race, sometimes for no discernible reason.
-
Thoughts and feelings of something terrible in the past won’t stop affecting my present.
What happens in a consultation?
You can ask me anything you like about how I work and what to expect. I’ll ask you some very general questions about what you’re interested in working on and whether or not you’ve been in therapy before.
We may decide to work together, we may decide we’re not the best fit. Or, you might decide that you need to think about it and/or interview other therapists before making the decision.