In over twenty years as a clinical psychologist, it has been my experience that many people pass through predictable milestones and challenges in their life, some more difficult than others. Our circumstances often predict what sort of resilience and resources we have available to us. Oftentimes we stumble, not because we are weak or unwise or mentally ill, but because we are humans facing overwhelming challenges, losses, and sometimes defeats at various points in our lives.
As therapists we are in a position not necessarily to tell someone what to do, but what others have done. And to assure them that people generally do come out the other side. The path is often not easy, but nor are we alone. Therapy can be both an encouragement and a guide. What we frequently discover is that we have more resilience than we know, more inner resources than we are aware of.
The basic skill in therapy is mindfulness, defined as the awareness of feelings, without judgement or evaluation, which is another way of saying a path to greater self-acceptance as we are, warts and all.
Education:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, The Minnesota School for Clinical Psychology (2005)
- Master’s in Health Services Policy and Management, George Washington University (1993)
- BA Psychology, University of New Hampshire (1976)
Specialties:
- Anger and stress management
- Issues of addiction including drugs, alcohol and pornography
- Couple’s therapy
- Men’s Issues