Q&A

• Q: Please describe your teaching philosophy.
• A: The best therapists are those who know themselves and can therefore capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses. The process of learning about oneself is a key component in all of my classes. Furthermore, I work with students to help them develop a strong theoretically-based approach to therapy which is both empirically validated and builds on the strengths of students’ individual personalities.

• Q: Please provide a statement or philosophy regarding the practice of psychology.
• A: My approach to treatment is integrative. I attempt to provide treatment best suited to the needs of the client. In general, I focus on the importance of building and utilizing the relationship as the foundation of treatment in addition to incorporating important insights from psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches.

• Q: Why did you choose to enter the field of psychology?
• A: Poor communication, that is, the inability to express oneself and to hear others, is at the root of many problems on both individual and societal levels. I believe that psychology provides one solution to this dilemma. Psychotherapy gives clients a place to learn how to genuinely voice their feelings and thoughts and to experience the power of being heard. This narrative process – telling one’s story – is one component of the healing that occurs in therapy. In this process, clients learn not only about themselves, but also develop a better understanding of and compassion for others. The effects this learning expands beyond the individual by improving relationships outside of the therapy room so that healing can occur on multiple levels. I cannot think of more fulfilling work than being part of this reflective process.
  

• Q: What advice would you give to a student entering The Chicago School?
• A: "My general formula for my students is 'Follow your bliss.' Find where it is, and don't be afraid to follow it. " --Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth, pp. 120, 149