Principles of Practice

More than any theory or technique, I believe deeply in certain principles that guide ethical practice and create the conditions for healing. I named my practice "First Principles Counseling" to center these core principles:

Humility

You are the expert on your life – your needs, your relationships, your circumstances, your culture, your values, and your goals. I am here to listen, to help you tap into your own inner knowledge, and to equip you with skills and strategies. I will not presume to know more than you do about your own life. If I get something wrong, call me out. I won’t be offended, and our work will be better for it.

Empathy

We tend to think of empathy as something that happens automatically, a natural reaction to listening deeply to somebody. Often, it does happen that way. Other times – due to the infinite diversity of human experiences – it requires active effort. I work very hard to understand what it feels like to be you. Of course, I can never know this completely (see “Humility”). But I will work continuously to understand as deeply as I can. It is the only way I can offer relevant, useful, and compassionate help.

Respect

Respect is a necessary condition of any relationship, including the therapy relationship. “Respect” means many things. I respect your right to make choices in your own life. I respect your right to make choices about your treatment. I respect your identity and your values. I respect your time, your money, and your trust.

Being Real

Change is hard, acceptance is hard, and life can be very hard indeed. I won’t try to convince you otherwise. I won’t tell you anything that I do not believe with my whole heart and mind. If you ask me a direct question, you will get either a direct answer or an honest explanation of why I am not providing one. For the most part, I speak the same way in session as in the rest of my life.

Excellence

You deserve excellent, effective, compassionate care. I strive to deserve your trust. I seek out books, training, consultation, and any other sources of knowledge that may help my clients. I educate myself about diverse identities and experiences. I will tell you when something is outside my expertise. Periodically, I will ask you how therapy is going, whether you feel it is helping you, and whether there is anything that needs to change.

Access to Care

It is important to me to make therapy as accessible as possible, while also making my practice sustainable. 

• If I am not able to accept your insurance, but you would like to work with me, reach out to discuss an affordable cash rate. 

• I never charge a fee for writing letters for work or school, providing treatment records, or talking with the parent of a minor client.

• I offer evening appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays to accommodate traditional work and school schedules. If your schedule does not permit you to commit to the same appointment time each week, I will work with your schedule as much as I can.

• In addition to my private practice, I work with underserved youth at Joliet Job Corps Center. See my "About Me" page for more information about my work at Job Corps.