In treating individuals, couples and families, my goals are to help my clients find healthier and more effective ways to communicate with those they love and work with. That includes exploration and assessment of current ways of communicating and introducing new communication skills, especially as it relates to emotional connection, identification of, mindfulness, and attunement into ones own and others' feelings, validation of ones' own and other's feelings and utilizing both facts and feelings to resolve conflict. I also teach my clients how to implement Self Care on all levels of living, including physical, emotional and spiritual so that they may derive more personal fulfillment from their lives. This includes setting boundaries with others, recognizing personal limitations and decreasing co-dependent and 'people-pleasing' behaviors. I incorporate my knowledge of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Structural Family Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in treating individuals, couples and families. I also incorporate 12 Step principles in addressing Addiction, including Co-Dependency in relationships. On a personal note, I practice the Principals of the 12 Steps in my daily life, and I help my clients learn how to use them. I also have been a long-term Sponsor to several individuals. I am an active member of a Twelve Step Fellowship for several years for a food addiction. (For those who are unfamiliar with the realities of food addiction, let me tell you, food kills – and it can be as addictive and harmful as many other substances and behaviors.)