I value actively collaborating with all clients. This means creating an environment of mutually felt respect, where effective change can happen – and not a top-down approach, in which lasting change rarely happens.

I place the highest premium on strengths (even if sometimes hidden, at first) that my clients bring to facing life’s challenges. Some well-intentioned approaches may zero in on highlighting an individual’s deficits, but such approaches unfortunately often lead to zero gains.

I believe that working in the here-and-now present is much more useful in building resilience than is focusing inordinately on the past. We apply currently what we have learned from past mistakes, moving forward with increased awareness and skill.

I find labeling clients unhelpful, if not demoralizing. My approach to coaching is non-diagnostic, which is to say, each person is seen as a unique individual with a unique destiny, and we aim to release all positive, inner resources to that end.

I did not experience cookie-cutter, “one size fits all” approaches helpful in my own recovery and healing, and I do not assume my clients would, either. Therefore, we focus in this work on deciding together what works best for each person’s distinctive needs.

I believe the research clearly indicates that many of us got into difficulties in life owing to a lack of caring and connectedness. Thus, it makes good sense that we co-create a nourishing environment rich in compassion.