I primarily use a combination of several theoretical approaches in counseling: Attachment Theory, Object Relations Theory, Family Systems Theory and Psychodynamic Theory. I believe humans have a basic need for relationship and to be attached, in relation, to other humans. During childhood people learn through trauma, social experiences, family of origin experiences accompanied with personality to develop defensive mechanisms that were once helpful in childhood in adulthood keep them from experiences satisfying relationships and daily life contentment. Through evaluating past experiences and looking to find the source of pain, healing can happen and one can begin to enjoy life in a different way and function in a healthy manner. I also use other methods and techniques to help each client achieve his or her counseling goals. I integrate techniques from other theories when appropriate based on the needs of the client and what is supported by research as best practices. I also pull significantly from the Emotion Focused Therapy model in my work with couples as it has an empirically-based grounding and proven track record for helping couples and individuals to recognize their patterns of relating and make positive steps in changing those unhealthy patterns to create new, healthy and lasting ways of living and interacting with one another. I am fully trained in Patrick Carnes’ model of Sexual Addiction Recovery through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and incorporate this into all recovery work with addicts, partners, as well as couples. Finally, I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) into treatment plans when appropriate. EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory, and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms. Overall, I believe each person is unique and each person needs a different combination of theoretical approaches in order to receive the right care for their personal experiences and personality.