Relationships are a universal human experience. However they are anything but simple and intuitive. The way we relate to others affects our work, friendships, love life, and family. We may repeat the same dysfunctional dynamic with different people. Or we may gravitate to the same type of person, who do not meet our needs. Maybe we eschew meeting people because we fear possible rejection or the hurt that comes with being involved.

Attachment Styles

Our early infant and childhood experiences lays the foundation for how we bond with others in adulthood. Attachment styles are either secure or insecure. There are three types of insecure attachment: anxious, disorganized (also known as fearful avoidant), and dismissive avoidant.

In session, we will explore your attachment style, how you relate to others, approach or avoid conflict, and how others may view you. Collaboratively, we may work to communicate and express emotions better, improve self-esteem, be more present and connected, and heal attachment disruptions such as infidelity, break ups, divorce, and death of a loved one. Healing and changing patterns is also possible.

Almost 20% of American adults in the past year experienced an anxiety disorder, and over 30% experience during their lifetime according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It impacts family, career, and relationships. For example, if you are a parent, your children often sense and emulate your anxious behaviors. Panic, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, constant worry are obvious symptoms of anxiety. However anxiety often manifests subtly in the form of procrastination, low motivation, and avoidance. Physical symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic pain, and headaches may be worsened by anxiety.

There are many ways to effectively treat anxiety. I do not believe in one size fits all treatment. My clients and I collaborate on what types of treatment work best for them. Thus if you have tried psychotherapy before with little success, it's worth it to try a different approach.

Levels of stress are on the rise as we face a fast paced, ever changing and more complex society. High levels of stress are related to poor sleep, irritability, and lowered physical immunity. Prolonged stress increases risk for physical illness, depression and anxiety disorders. Exercise and relaxation methods help, but challenging perfectionism and high achievement belief systems often gets to the root of chronic stress. Learning assertiveness, delegating, and saying "no" are important to reducing it.

Major life stressors range from the unthinkable to what we always dreamed. They are loss of a close family member, marriage, birth of a child, move, job loss, and divorce. So too are a disaster or a major promotion. Stress is inevitable in our lives, thus why not learn how to make it more manageable?

My clients come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. I am very familiar with the demands on physicians, corporate leadership, and attorneys. Likewise, I understand the mindsets of entrepreneurs, creatives, and educators. Contemplating a career shift or just starting your career? Trouble finding a work life balance? Reached the top of your game and need inspiration or motivation for your next endeavor? Feel stuck in your current path?

Though career or life coaching, we collaborate to improve your life satisfaction. We can work on improving leadership skills, trust in others, commitment, assertiveness, and compromise. I offer a balanced perspective to bounce ideas off of and explore areas that may be holding you back.

Our culture, race, sexual orientation, and spiritual beliefs are integral to who we are and add a layer of complexity to our personal lives and sense of well being. These concerns have been an emphasis in my education, research, and professional practice. It is my priority to understand and empathize with your unique background.

It's normal to feel great sadness, depression, anger, and disbelief after a great loss. However, professional intervention may be helpful when the emotions and behaviors that grief and loss drive, are misplaced and irrational. Conflict often takes over during a time when people should be supporting each other. Grief needs to be processed instead of fought against or avoided. Conversely you may be on the receiving end of the misplaced blame, anger, and manipulation, which may feel devastating.

Grief that is unresolved comes up in powerful and sometimes surprising ways years later. Any major loss stays part of your narrative but doesn't have to define you negatively. Processing the grief and loss is essential to progressing forward.