I hope to be a healing force for connection and authentic thriving. Though I draw from a few different orientations to help me remain responsive to how you are in your world, Existential Phenomenological Psychotherapy is my primary orientation. What draws me to this orientation is its emphasis on experiential exploration as a mechanism for change in and of itself. In the words of my mentor, “Change happens when one becomes what one is, not when one tries to be what they are not.” I find this stance allows me to more fully immerse myself into positive regard, exploration, and the aliveness of what is in the room while not falling into the possible trap of preconceived theories of pathology. A therapist who thinks they already know everything runs the risk of skipping over that which makes therapy so powerful in the first place, the experience itself. You don’t need somebody to tell you how to live your life, you’re the expert on that, and so that is where I begin.

I find this helps bring whatever that ‘thing’ that is being discussed be it depression, anxiety, or what have you, to life in the room so that it may be mediated, honored, or whatever movement or lack thereof is authentic to the self in the moment of the here and now instead of simply problem solving or rigidly trying to shift into a preconceived treatment. That being said, there is certainly a time, place, and goodness of fit for a blend of different perspectives. Other perspectives I utilize are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Systems Theory, Multicultural Theory, and Humanistic Therapy.

If any of this sounds like something that speaks to you I'd be happy to offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if us working together is a good fit.

Be well,

Jackson