Practical & Solution-Focused Therapy
for Individuals and Couples
I provide practical, solution-focused therapy for individuals and couples. 30 years of experience enables me to quickly identify the root causes of your challenges, and offer concrete suggestions on how to bring about the changes you want. My therapeutic style is warm, yet direct; and I offer both in-person and remote sessions.
Areas of Expertise
Couples Therapy
It’s all about communication. Arguing, anger, resentment, trust, intimacy issues... Most relationship problems can be solved simply by improving communication. I teach principles and skills, and a handful of key "hacks" that will enable you to tackle differences and sticky situations without conflict, and truly transform your relationship.
Parenting
Successful parenting hinges on learning what your child's emotional needs are and how to meet them in ways that also work for you. Children want to be cooperative with their parents, and will do so if their needs for understanding, connectedness and power are acknowledged and met.
Many parents confuse obedience and cooperation. It’s true that we can find ways to make our children obedient, usually through instilling fear. But that approach always comes at the expense of the relationship and often results in anger, rebellion and/or poor self esteem.
I have taught numerous Parenting classes using Jane Nelson's excellent guide Positive Discipline. I also recommend many of Becky Kennedy's ideas.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and negative emotions such as anger and depression have come to be seen as problems in and of themselves. But they are actually helpful signals that we are on the wrong track and something in our life needs changing.
I have successfully treated hundreds of clients with these issues using various highly effective cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Addiction
Do you feel out of control because you continue to engage in behaviors that aren't good for you despite the negative consequences? This can be remedied once you find healthier ways to change and manage your pain and stress. The key to overcoming addictions is both to address the underlying issue, and to develop healthier coping strategies.
Addictions or negative behaviors take many forms:
excessive use of alcohol or drugs; overeating or binge eating; compulsive buying; sex, gambling, etc.
I have helped many clients understand the source of their addictions, develop effective strategies to curb or eliminate these problematic behaviors, and use healthier coping mechanisms to manage stress.
Stress & Trauma
Stress and trauma trigger a dysregulated nervous system response. I use several very effective evidence based techniques to help clients rebalance and learn to rewire their habituated stress responses.
Contact Me
Call for a free 10 minute phone consultation
It's important to choose a therapist who can offer you the results you are looking for and with whom you feel comfortable. Let's chat for a few minutes so that you can determine whether or not it feels like a fit for you.
Phone
805-962-1129
Address
924 Anacapa Street #3L
Santa Barbara, CA 93101