Over 35 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist and professional musician.
I have had the pleasure and good fortune to work as a psychotherapist and musician/guitarist for the past 35 years. It seems clear to me that there are many parallels in these activities.
Both are above all else,
"a listening gig".
Psychotherapists and musicians have highly developed capacities to listen and attune themselves to the emotions of others. I find myself committed to becoming an ever better listener to my clients and musical collaborators.
I have experience with a variety of helpful therapies. I am interested in the interplay of psychodynamics, mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR), cognitive-behavioral approaches, meditation and the cultivation of creative processes to make life more enjoyable for my clients.
People consult me during times of transition, new relationships, breakups, parenthood, identity issues, loss, creative difficulties and workplace problems. Sadly, our culture is often phobic about the emotions and conflict that are part of life transitions. Therapy is about honoring and understanding these experiences in the spirit of growth and personal development.
I have a few basic assumptions.
First is that people are generally doing the best they can at any given moment. Secondly, that self knowledge, acceptance and forgiveness are healing. Last, but certainly not least is that everyone possesses some creative and totally unique capacity to transform their life.
I have worked as a clinician and clinical supervisor in a variety of mental health settings over the years including community mental health clinics, public schools, youth and family service organizations, hospital outpatient psychiatric departments, employee assistance programs, nursing and rehabilitation centers.
I have been in private practice since 1990.
I have degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Simmons College School of Social Work.
I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers.