In couples therapy, the relationship is the client. Work is done to improve communication patterns by helping each partner learn to attentively listen and respond to their partner. We will work to open up lines of communication that have been closed by past wounds or emotional distance in the relationship. If arguments are frequent or explosive, we will work to decrease the intensity of conflict to promote healthy communication. Work may also focus on increasing emotional and physical connection in the relationship.

Couples therapy is useful in increasing the loving bond between partners and to resolve minor issues before they become more problematic. In addition, couples considering marriage often find counseling beneficial and supportive at working out tensions and enhancing communication and intimacy. I am committed to helping all couples regardless of their sexuality. If you think couples counseling is the right choice for your relationship, please contact me.

Often, individuals who are experiencing low self-esteem, fear, anger, or symptoms of depression can feel isolated, as if they are the only one feeling this way. These ideas can become crystalized and block an individual from moving forward.

Group therapy offers members the opportunity to explore personal issues and feelings while receiving honest, supportive, and sometimes challenging feedback. In short, group therapy is an opportunity to explore and be your authentic self.

Groups can be helpful for individuals who have challenges with intimacy, difficulty managing and maintaining relationships, are lonely and seeking community, experience difficulty in groups, struggling to assert their voice, would like feedback on their interpersonal style, have co-dependent/caretaking tendencies, or struggle to engage with conflict constructively. Group therapy can also be supportive for individuals who experience a desire to isolate.

Groups generally meet weekly in either Lakeview or downtown. If you would like more information about group therapy and why it might be right for you, please contact me.

The Men's Psychotherapy Group provides a unique, supportive environment for men to work on self, identify feelings, and explore relational issues. Through the group process, individuals develop relationship skills that include improved communication, self awareness and expression, empathy for self and others, assertiveness, and capacity for deeper connection to themselves and others. Individuals are also encouraged to identify and allow for their feelings, leading to growth and enhanced effectiveness, which in turn enhances effectiveness in relationships. The group focuses on trust, direct communication, self-expression, and boundaries. If you'd like more information about this group or would like to explore participating, please contact me.

The Gay Men's Psychotherapy Group provides an excellent growth opportunity for men to take emotional risks, obtain feedback, process issues unique to gay men, and explore deepened ways of relating to other men and themselves. Group members work through fears of vulnerability and rejection; explore past trauma, self-esteem and other concerns that may be interfering with their ability to create and sustain fulfilling relationships. If you'd like more information about the group or would like to explore participation, please contact me.

This interpersonal group for men and women provides a rich, dynamic environment with multiple perspectives and interaction styles, allowing members to practice relationship skills. The group serves as a microcosm for the world outside, allowing feelings to develop and be worked through real-time. Group members are helped as these skills generalize to social, romantic, and relationships outside. The group focuses on trust, direct communication, self-expression, and boundaries. If you'd like more information about the group or would like to explore participation, please contact me.

Finding a gay-affirming therapist can be a difficult and intimidating task. It's difficult to know whether or not you are going to be working with a counselor who is knowledgeable of sexuality and LGBT issues. As an openly gay therapist, I understand many of the stresses that impact relationships in our community. You want to be able to talk with your therapist openly, so that he can best help you navigate through problems such as:

• Issues with self-esteem
• A lack of self-acceptance and judgment
• Problems dealing with family dynamics
• Dealing with isolation and feeling disconnected
• Making and keeping friends and relationships
• Being married and gay

If you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered individual who would like to talk with a professional who understands the issues that you live with, please contact me.