ABOUT THE THERAPIST

I trust you -- let's work together to help you become the person you know you are

I am an American-born clinical social worker who has been in Israel since 1970. I worked in education for thirty years before embarking on a new career in social work. I bring to my work a perspective that includes the American experience, the immigrant experience and the Israeli experience. I work in both Hebrew and in English. 

First, I start where the client is. Whatever is on the client's mind in the moment is the most important. Over time we may go back to the past, inquire about other issues in the present or join in planning for the future.

My work is based on the Person-Centered Approach of Carl Rogers, employing the three core conditions: empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence. Congruence is the authenticity that the therapist brings to the process in which he is a real person, with a real past and present that he feels free to share if he thinks it will benefit the client. The goal of the person-centered approach is self-actualization. This means that I believe that my clients know best what is best for them. They know where they want to go but may need guidance to help them find the way. I try not to give advice and never to make decisions for the client. I trust them to know in their hearts who that person is who they want to become. My clients and I work together, each learning and teaching, and constantly striving to be who we are.

I am not in charge. I listen and ask. Sometimes I offer a suggestion but never a prescription. Opinions are offerred only if I'm asked for my opinion. I then emphasize it's only my opinion and does not imply any need to accept it on the clien't part. 

I usually define my role as making connections and presenting options. If I notice that a client has mentioned an issue that sounds familiar I say  -- this sounds like ...... from a few weeks, months, even years ago -- and ask if they're connected. 

When a client says there is only one option I first empathize with that feeling and then suggest others if I think I have something genuinely useful to add. The client may stick with the first option but s/he's choosing instead of being forced. 

I often use the approach called Non-Violent Communications, a modality developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg who was a student of Carl Rogers.