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How would I benefit from therapy?
When an individual believes their quality of life is not as it should be, or feels there is something wrong, something missing, or someone else is just not being as they should be, the process of psychotherapy can provide clarity to these situations. The therapist, by attending to the client’s story and beliefs, can provide feedback and education to assist the client with a path towards well being.
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How do I differ from other therapists?
I believe how we live our lives each day affects us and all those we are in contact with. Each moment we are in connection with others, these interactions provide opportunities for personal growth towards ren-interbeing.
Having spent a number of years with a spiritual practice of mindfulness, I have had plenty of opportunities to address my daily upsets and with how I feel life ought to be. I believe this process has given me an appreciation of the difficulties and the challenges of living life with awareness. Knowing and experiencing my daily struggles allows me to be genuinely empathic with what clients bring into therapy. I think we each have the desire to live in a harmonious world.
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What do I bring to the therapy sessions/process?
One of the goals I set for myself as a therapist is to be genuinely present and understanding of my clients. I believe very often clients do not experience a sense of being understood; at times feeling they do not understand what is going on for them. I pay close attention to what clients are experiencing, wanting to express, acknowledging their difficulties, providing feedback, and assisting them with developing skills to gain greater clarity about themselves and their relationships.
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How do I engage clients in my therapy sessions?
I strive to bring a sense of curiosity, attentiveness, compassion, openness, wonder, and positive regard towards clients. I pay close attention to the client’s body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, listening to what clients are not able to articulate or are unaware of. I believe clients have stories and unmet needs that have not been explored. My goal is to help clients know their story and how it influences their lives. I believe we each want to live a more genuine life.
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What if we have marital problems and only one of us is willing to seek therapy?
I believe as each of us participate in relationships, we exert influence. Even if only one individual makes an effort to change the dynamics, a shift has occurred. Sometimes these subtle shifts remain unseen, lost in the busyness or avoidance. If couples counseling is not agreeable at the moment, individual sessions would still be helpful in bringing about a healthy relationship.
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Do I have to be Zen oriented to benefit from therapy?
No. Psychotherapy is an art a psychotherapist develops to improve a client’s quality of life. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in the state of California require a Masters Degree in Counseling, extensive hours of clinical practice and must successfully complete state board examinations before a license is issued. I believe my Zen practice helps me to continually develop a keen awareness and presence to stay focused with my client. This quality of attention along with my clinical training and experience provides the resource of my engagement with clients.
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Do you teach Zen as part of your therapy?
No, I do not view myself a teacher or my role to be a spiritual teacher. My practice with Zen helps me develop my foundation of how I want to be in the world, professionally and personally. I do not insist or prescribe it as the way to be for clients.
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What if I have other spiritual/religious beliefs?
My goal as a therapist is to assist clients in moving towards well being. I listen, ask questions for clarity, and discuss with clients options and choices that would further them along their chosen journey.
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