How I work
A warm, highly-attuned, and active partner
My fundamental ethos as a therapist is that healing is an innate, wired-in, biological drive that is ever present in all of us, no matter our histories or circumstances. It emerges when we feel safe, and can be harnessed with attention, affirmation, and guidance. My goal from the first moments of the first session and every session thereafter is to harness these adaptive self-righting motivations.
My approach is emotion-focused, experiential, and relational: emotions (regulated and deepened) tell us who we are and help us to act on our own behalf; experiencing rather than merely talking about them is the fastest and most enduring way to heal and grow; and experiencing them with a steadfast, supportive, caring and experienced ally can be transforming (both for you and for me).
I received my graduate degree and clinical training at the University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, which is the top-ranked university nationally in my field. I also participate in my own ongoing individual therapy and ongoing training with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches including Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C).
Other inspirations for my work include the delight I feel in my patients, and when working with parents, the thought of the children who will benefit from the secure base of their parents’ bond.
I welcome diversity of all kinds. All are welcome.
About me
An orientation towards discovery, healing, and transformation
I've recently relocated my adult and couples therapy practice from Bend, Oregon to West Hartford with my wife, Cara, and our two daughters. We love outdoor adventures and the cozy togetherness of home, family, and friendships. We feel fortunate to be here and explore new opportunities for both.
Therapy is my life's work. I served in many field prior to this: international aid, mediation, health care consulting, and others. Day in and day out, year after year, moment by moment, this is the work that leaves me feeling vital, authentic, fulfilled, and at my best. This is where I experience flow.
I believe what has brought me to this field is my lifelong fascination with transformation--substantial and often rapid changes that are precipitated by romantic love, spirituality, emotional surrender, and the quintessentially relational moments of meeting and repair that occur in therapy.
I was raised in an culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse section of Los Angeles and have lived, worked, and traveled in many parts of the world and the US. I love the ocean and getting around on two wheels, particularly for exploring the world with my wife and daughters.
I have been married for ten years and a therapist for just a little longer. I credit my individual therapy and training to my readiness to connect in a deep way with a loving partner.
I look forward to hearing your story.