In therapy, I can often help you to better understand yourself through examining your relationship with others.

The goal is for you to understand yourself better through looking at re-occurring  patterns and behaviors.  Ultimately, we want to open up new options for you to try out in your relationships.

This therapy approach was developed by Dr. Stephen A. Mitchell, who felt that our personality formed as a result of our early interactions and relationships with others, which became the foundation for how we understand the world.

Jean Baker Miller described the "Five Good Things" that are part of any positive relationship:

* A sense of zest or well being that comes from connecting with another person;

* The ability and motivation to take action in the relationship as well as in other situations;

* Increased knowledge of oneself and the other person;

* An increased sense of worth;

* A desire for more connections beyond the particular one.

Developing a therapy plan with Manhattan and Montclair clients

I believe that it is important to have some structure in therapy. When I first meet with a client, we develop an overall plan that guides us in our work together.  This focus point is usually based on an aspect of your life that is causing unhappiness.  Beneath the unhappiness we frequently find negative patterns of behavior that are causing depression and anxiety.

Depression is frequently the catalyst that brings someone to seek therapy.   The work involved to resolve depressive feelings requires self examination, and can uncover underlying causes of painful feelings about oneself and one’s life.   Often, we look at your family of origin to see if some of your present-day issues stem from the past.