Therapy
I offer therapy clients hope and confidence to overcome their struggles, no matter how difficult those struggles might seem to them. Clients gain confidence as I help them learn new ways of solving their problems. Clients trust my ability to help them because they see that I believe in solving my problems in the same way I am helping them find solutions to their problems.
Why Jupiter? The symbol at the top left of the page is an ancient symbol for Jupiter. It symbolizes how personal choices based on honest self-awareness can overcome even the most difficult circumstances (“mind over matter”). I also see in the symbol the number “24.” To be real in therapy with my clients, I need to be as genuine as I can be in my own life – twenty-four hours a day. Being genuine about who I am with my clients also makes being a therapist more rewarding for me because we are able to establish a connection more meaningful for each of us. Helping people this way is why I enjoy being a therapist.
My background: I have a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I practiced business law as a trial lawyer for thirteen years before starting out as a therapist nearly seven years ago–that’s the “JD” (Juris Doctor) in my title. Before college, I was a troubled teen with a bleak future, who turned his life around, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the U of M, and went on to law school and graduate school. I live the change I seek for my clients.
My therapeutic style tends to be more directive and proactive than many therapists (depending on the client’s needs). I want to make sure my clients are getting the most out of their sessions with me, so we exchange different ways of seeing things as much as possible. I ask many questions and make frequent observations, all designed to help clients (1) increase self-awareness and become less afraid of themselves and their feelings, (2) so they can make better choices, (3) toward greater satisfaction with themselves and in their relationships. I also want clients to learn from their experiences in therapy how to be their own therapist, so they can ask themselves the necessary questions to foster continued growth and positive change by the time they are done with therapy.
Clients often tell me therapy with me is not what they expected—in a good way, and they have made changes they didn’t think possible. In previous therapy jobs, I have been the guy who takes clients whose issues other therapists might find too difficult or clients who have had unsatisfactory experiences in therapy. I can help just about any client, no matter what their issues might be, as long as they are serious about wanting change, even if the client isn’t really sure change is possible.
I work with adults and adolescents, including couples, families and individuals, addressing anxiety, depression, chemical dependency and other addictions, PTSD and trauma (physical and sexual abuse, rape and domestic violence), multiracial family and relationship issues, adoption, divorce, issues related to the criminal justice system, ADHD, truancy and other academic issues affecting adolescents.
Insurance and cost: I am an in-network provider for most major insurers, including Blue Cross, HealthPartners, CIGNA, Medica and Preferred One. My regular rate is $125 per session. Please note that my cash discount rate will be changing from $85 to $100 after January 15, 2010 Sliding fee rates can also be made available upon request.
Contact information: To find out more about me and my services, to make a referral, or to arrange an appointment, please contact me.
