How I work with clients

My approach to therapy is client-centered, and evidence-based. ‘Client-centered’ means I prioritize listening in an empathic, and radically non-judgmental way. This applies no matter how dark or troubling a client’s challenges may be.

‘Evidence-based’ means I inform my approach with an up-to-date, analytical reading of the latest science, as it relates to understanding and addressing my clients’ particular challenges.

In practice, once a client and I have established a clear grasp of the primary concerns that have brought them to therapy, I draw on my own training in both counselling psychology, and cognitive and social science, to find the most appropriate, tailor-made strategy for effecting positive change in the client’s life.

When suggesting techniques to clients, I draw specifically on what current published evidence suggests is most effective. Depending on the nuances of the case, this may involve techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), ‘somatic’ (i.e., sensory-focused) trauma therapy, psychodynamic work, narrative approaches, or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), with meditation training.

Throughout this process—and regardless of our chosen technique—the bedrock of the service I provide is a steady, reliable, science-informed therapeutic alliance. This means the client can be certain she or he is going to receive continual, unconditional support and understanding to safely work through their deepest concerns, in confidence.

If you’re interested in working together, please feel free to contact me to discuss availability and rates.

An illustration of Sufi poet Attar’s “Conference of the Birds”:“The process of absorption is unique to every individual, as is each person’s journey. We are the birds in the story. All of us have our own ideas and ideals, our own fears and anxieties, as we hold on to our own version of the truth. Like the birds of this story, we may take flight together, but the journey itself will be different for each of us. Attar tells us that truth is not static, and that we each tread a path according to our own capacity. It evolves as we evolve. Those who are trapped within their own dogma, clinging to hardened beliefs or faith, are deprived of the journey toward …[what] Attar calls the Great Ocean.” -Sholeh Wolpe — An illustration of Sufi poet Attar’s “Conference of the Birds”:
“The process of absorption is unique to every individual, as is each person’s journey. We are the birds in the story. All of us have our own ideas and ideals, our own fears and anxieties, as we hold on to our own version of the truth. Like the birds of this story, we may take flight together, but the journey itself will be different for each of us. Attar tells us that truth is not static, and that we each tread a path according to our own capacity. It evolves as we evolve. Those who are trapped within their own dogma, clinging to hardened beliefs or faith, are deprived of the journey toward …[what] Attar calls the Great Ocean.”
-Sholeh Wolpe