Common Questions

What do you mean when you say "beyond talk therapy"?

Berkshire County is fortunate to have many private practice psychotherapists., each with their own style of working. Just as in any close relationship, it's important to find a good match. Psychotherapy, like any discipline, has evolved over the years, from psychoanalysis (mostly talk), to cognitive approaches, which teach you how to become aware of the power of your beliefs and thoughts in influencing emotions and behavior, to more emotion-focused, body-centered approaches. Each approach is as good as the practionor who adopts it, and all can help some of those seeking help.

If you want to become more in touch with yourself, develop awareness of your moment-by-moment emotional changes, and enter into a deeper relationship with yourself and your feelings, I may be a good choice for you. If you are adventurous and are willing to enter uncharted inner waters, we can go there together. If you have been through years of conventional talk therapy, and still haven't unlocked the center of inner peace and joy within you, then it may be time to try something new.

My two primary therapeutic tools are Gestalt psychotherapy and body-centered psychotherapy, both of which draw out inner conflicts and unhealed traumas at a rate comfortable to you to provide opportunities to release the hold the past may have upon you, even today. If you prefer not to experiment with these inner adventures, I can still provide a compassionate ear, and be a supportive companion along your life journey. What happens during any given session flows naturally from what you are experiencing that day. I follow your lead, and facilitate your emotional process so that you can start feeling better and lightening your load.

I lived for 8 years at Kripalu Center, where I did my best to practice the truth that this whole world is one family. I am very grateful for my years in intentional community, and find that it brings a depth that is invaluable in the therapeutic process.


How will I know if your approach is right for me?

If what you see on this website appeals to you, schedule an appointment. You'll have a good sense after just one session if I'm the right therapist for you. If you want to continue, I'll ask you to sign on for 6 more sessions, and then we'll touch base. If you feel you are making progress, we will continue. If you want to try another approach, we'll disengage so you can try another therapist or style of therapy.

My approach is very well suited to those who were abused in any way as children, those who are stuck in a rut, not living up to their potential, anyone who has emotional issues and wants the most direct path to resolve them, and those with active inner critics who want to enter a more nurturing and supportive relationship with themselves.

I may not be the best choice for anyone with suicidal ideation, prior psychiatric hospitalization, a personality disorder, or schizophrenia. I refer you to www.berkshirepsychotherapynetwork.com to see a list of local clinicians and their specialties.

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Unless you are an insurance client, you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. You may choose to give written permission for me to share select information with your other health care providers. If you are choosing to use insurance, the insurance company requires that I provide you with a clinical diagnosis and presenting problem. Most ask that I update them in some detail on your progress before authorizing additional sessions.

State law and professional ethics require therapists to break confidentiality under the following conditions:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders must be reported to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.

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