I have significant expertise working with men seeking therapy, helping clients navigate self-confidence and self-esteem issues, assertiveness training, and boundary-setting, to name a few. While there are many positive representations of femininity in the modern world, positive representations of masculinity are still lacking. I therefore help facilitate clients in a journey of self-discovery to better understand what that positive representation of masculinity means to them. I help clients realize that who they are at their core is profoundly enough, and any attempt to change that is a deep misunderstanding of what it means to be in relationship to oneself and others. This means confronting feelings of shame about oneself and finding acceptance in whatever person you feel most authentically represents your true nature. 

I have found that one of the most common concerns of men seeking therapy is related to fear of being judged for having thoughts and/or emotions they fear are socially unacceptable. You may have even felt judged by a previous therapist. My mantra in life is you do not directly choose any thoughts you have, so as a consequence judging them would be utterly unfair. There is no capacity to investigate the nature of your thoughts as long as you are judging them, and therefore no capacity to grow either. I truly welcome any and all perspectives/beliefs/political ideologies/religious affiliations, my only requirement is an open curiosity regarding your emotional experience and a willingness to investigate how one’s beliefs are shaped. I also recognize that just because I am saying to you “I won’t judge you,” it does not guarantee that will not happen. Allow me to demonstrate that over time in the only way I know how: by my actions. 

 Another common concern is that therapy is this indefinite process that is never-ending. My goal in therapy is always to get clients to a state where they eventually become their own therapist. Throughout therapy I intend to help guide you into self-sufficiency so that you have the tools to re-enter into the world with more resilience and self-confidence to navigate difficult situations more effectively. My style is direct and compassionate - I take an active role with my clients and we work together to make strides toward whatever goals you want to address. I like to challenge clients when appropriate and ultimately end therapy when it is no longer needed to lead a happy and fulfilling life.