Starting Psychotherapy

"Does something in my life need to change?"

If you are asking yourself this question, congratulations. It might not have been easy for you to get to this place. It might have been uncomfortable or even painful. You may still be uncertain about what needs to change, and you may be wondering if change is even possible. Yet, understanding the need for change and starting to seek help is an important accomplishment. I am a clinical psychologist offering individual psychotherapy and couples or marital counseling in my practice in Marin County, and I can probably help you at this crucial point in your life.

uses for psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be useful if your desire for change comes either from a deep sense of unease, or from a feeling that your life can be richer than it is. I can help if you are struggling with: depression, anxiety, or other mood problems; relationship difficulties or emotionally-based sexual issues; challenges of aging, life-threatening and other serious illness; grief or bereavement; or the emotional side of living with a serious mental disorder. I am also very interested in helping people who don't feel deeply troubled, but are searching to expand their lives and find the edges of their potential or are feeling the absence of a spiritual center in their lives. This is by no means an exclusive list and I would be happy to consult with you, explore your needs and the changes you are seeking, and see whether I can help. If not, I will try to refer you to someone better suited.

change, loss, and healing

I have a special interest in helping people who have been affected by loss — lasting, recent, or impending. Loss can be overwhelming and debilitating. My work on loss is intertwined with my focus on change. One answer to the question, "Does something need to change?" is that change is unavoidable and loss follows close behind. Change is already happening to you right this minute and has always been happening. If you resist change, as we all do much of the time, you might find yourself constantly aware of the threat of losing something precious and familiar, or longing for something irretrievable. Psychotherapy can be extremely helpful in learning how to become open to change, cope with the pain of loss, and even grow from facing it.

In these web pages, I will briefly try to explain more about my approach. You can find a description of my history, training, and technique. I will try to give you an idea of how I think healing and change happens in psychotherapy, both for individuals and couples. There are directions to my office, information about my practice and forms to fill out if you decide to become my client. I haven't said a lot here; I'd prefer to meet you in person and talk. If something in these pages touches you, I hope you will contact me to arrange an appointment.