Jungian Analysis
Jungian analysis deals with the typical experiences that bring people to therapy such as life transitions, depression, neurosis, anxiety, illness, and loss. These painful times can provide a chance to find the larger meaning in the situation, even the myth of one’s life. The process of doing this is called individuation, the movement toward wholeness, or becoming what one truly is. Individuation is a self-realization involving the integration of the unconscious into consciousness.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression often coincides with anxiety. Nearly everyone will experience depression sometime in their life. If you are feeling hopelessness, despair, anger, or lack motivation, you are probably suffering from depression. Excessive worry and fears are signs of anxiety. We will work together to determine the underlying cause and solution.
Transitions/Adjustments/Loss
Transitions and change are a natural part of life. They can also be painful and stressful. Transitions, however, often hold the promise of growth. I help clients by exploring the potential for growth while holding the pain and stress that may go with it.
Adjusting to a new job, relationship, or limitation tests our strength and resolve. Moving from resistance to acceptance to empowerment can allow for growth and renewal.
Loss can be deeply felt and often out of our control. Experiencing loss often leads to feelings of grief. Grief is a natural process, not something to avoid. Blame, shame, and depression come from being unable to express grief properly. Positive expressions of grief are healing. Together, we will explore healthy ways to express your grief.
Relationships
The relationships in our lives are full of joy and conflict. All relationships will cycle through good times and bad times. Learning about oneself and the other is critical to successful relationships. Negotiating, compromising, and understanding are key ingredients in navigating the relationships in your life.
Recovery From Childhood Abuse and Trauma
When there has been significant neglect and/or abuse in childhood, a sense of safety and self needs to occur to heal from this early trauma. Symptoms of this sort of trauma can include: panic attacks, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, anger, depression, addiction. Psychotherapy can help in healing by providing a safe place to recover the lost sense of self and safety.
Childhood Fears/Anxieties/Adjustments
I see children age 6 – 12 who are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. Many times children will let supportive adults know when they feel troubled by their behavior. Children express their feelings, thoughts, and fears through play. Play therapy allows children to process internal conflicts within a safe environment. When working with children, I incorporate sessions with parents to facilitate a well-rounded strategy for success. I see older adolescents (16 and older) and often help them in managing this turbulent transitional period and finding their true selves.
Parenting and Divorce
I assist parents in developing the best possible relationship with their children. I provide information on child and adolescent development.
When divorce is inevitable, I help foster the parent/child bond, so that children can more easily move through the divorce transition. I provide guidance for parents when negotiating a post-divorce parenting agreement.
Creative Therapy
Creative Therapy is the process of working through psychological issues through creative expression. The creative process is a bridge between your inner world and the outer world. It is a channel to the unconscious. As an alternative to “talk therapy”, I offer creative therapy. At times, words cannot express the trauma, the feelings, or the inner process. Being creative, or “at play” releases tensions, anxieties, and frustrations. To facilitate your creative play, I offer guidance/supplies in:
- SandPlay
- Dream/Symbolism/Archetypal Exploration
- Active Imagination
- Guided Imagery
- Painting, Drawing, Clay
- Collage
