When asked about my therapy style, people often want to know two things: what are some of my core assumptions? how do I relate to clients?

• I understand that people have variation, including biological variation. One person may be fundamentally different from other people.
• An individual’s biochemistry and personality may vary and adapt throughout time.
• A pattern of thoughts/emotions/and actions may be described as a relational template. Relational templates that are adaptive in a previous context may become generalized into other parts of a person’s life. Unfortunately, the generalizations may become problematic in newer contexts. In that case, the person may revise their thoughts/emotions/actions.
• I position myself as a collaborator with the client. Rather than take a prescriptive approach or a passive approach, I solicit the client’s participation. I expect clients to challenge themselves while I am an active respondent. We share power and control so that new dynamics and opportunities develop.