The Interpersonal Psychology Framework

My therapeutic approach is grounded in the understanding that all human struggles are fundamentally about our relationships - not just romantic ones, but the full spectrum of human connections that shape our experience.

Drawing from Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology, I believe that we are social beings who find meaning through our connections with others. Our symptoms, conflicts, and life challenges almost always reflect difficulties in how we relate to the people around us or how we've learned to protect ourselves in relationships.

Core Principles

Teleological Focus: We work toward your goals and desired future rather than getting stuck analyzing past wounds. While your history matters, it doesn't determine your destiny. You have the capacity to create new patterns and different outcomes.

Holistic Relationship Perspective: Your romantic relationships don't exist in isolation. We examine patterns across all your connections - family, friends, colleagues, community - to understand how you show up in different contexts and where opportunities for growth exist.

Collaborative Partnership: You are the expert on your own life. My role is to provide perspective, tools, and support as you navigate toward greater authenticity and connection. We work together as partners in your growth.

Social Justice Awareness: Individual healing happens within larger systems of oppression and privilege. We acknowledge how societal factors impact your relationships while focusing on what you can control and change.

What Makes This Different from Traditional Therapy

Beyond Pathology: I don't view polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, or alternative relationship structures as symptoms to be treated. Instead, we work on developing the skills that make any relationship style more successful.

Present and Future Focused: While we acknowledge how your past influences you, most of our time centers on clarifying your vision and taking concrete steps toward it.

Practical Skills Building: You'll learn specific tools for communication, boundary-setting, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation that you can apply immediately.

Systems Perspective: We look at relationship patterns and dynamics rather than focusing solely on individual psychology. How you connect with others reveals important information about your core needs and values.

Integration with Ethical Non-Monogamy Principles

My approach naturally aligns with the values underlying ethical non-monogamy:

Consent and Communication: We develop skills for ongoing negotiation and clear communication about needs, boundaries, and agreements.

Personal Autonomy: Therapy supports your capacity to make authentic choices rather than conforming to external expectations.

Emotional Intelligence: We build skills for managing complex emotions like jealousy, compersion, and the vulnerability that comes with multiple attachments.

Relationship Flexibility: We create structures that can evolve as you and your relationships grow and change.

What to Expect

Initial Sessions: We'll explore your relationship history, current challenges, and goals. This isn't about finding what's "wrong" with you but understanding your patterns and identifying where you want to grow.

Ongoing Work: Sessions combine processing current relationship dynamics with skill-building for future situations. You'll leave with concrete tools and perspectives you can apply immediately.

Integration: We regularly assess progress and adjust our approach. The goal is developing internal resources so you can navigate relationship challenges independently.