The work we do together is integrative in nature, incorporating multiple traditions and perspectives, including existential philosophy, contemporary neuroscience, and mindfulness-based approaches. I also find real value in Eastern contemplative traditions, whose insights often resonate deeply with modern psychological understanding. Each viewpoint offers a different lens for understanding people's conflicts, the ways they respond to challenges, and how to facilitate change in their lives. From these varied vantage points, I work collaboratively with my clients to find approaches that fit the specific person and the issues they want to address.
All of these influences shape how I think, and how I work directly with you. Every person arrives with a unique history, set of strengths, and configuration of challenges. Our work together focuses on clarifying what matters most to you, understanding the forces that have shaped your path, and identifying practical ways to move forward in the here and now with intention and momentum, while staying thoughtfully engaged with the broader direction of your life.
Some of the issues and areas that come up frequently include:
Unusual or non-linear life paths
Navigating difficult coworkers or supervisors
Struggles with confidence and self-trust
Clarifying relationship difficulties, including distinguishing between strain that can be worked through, and relationships that may be fundamentally harmful
Recognizing and stepping back from self-limiting assumptions or catastrophic thinking
Changing direction professionally
Creative blocks and finding ways to move through them
Challenges involving young adult children finding their footing
Experiences of grief that may not be fully understood by others
Making or adapting to changes later in life
Moving forward after recognizing and understanding past mistakes
Difficulties finding self-forgiveness
Balancing professional demands with personal life
Patterns and habits that feel difficult to change
Selected Client Reflections:
Barbara R. "Working with Paul helped me improve my relationship with my mother-in-law. We went from constant tension to actually enjoying living together. He's so helpful in everything we work on."
G.G. “Paul is a caring, compassionate, and insightful person to work with. In one really important aspect of our consultations, he's helped me see how I had taken on the role of caregiver for many people in my life while not feeling fully seen myself. We've worked out strategies and actions for me to shift that pattern and bring more self-care and joy into my life. What a difference that has made.”
Frank K. “When I started working with Paul, I was smoking a lot of pot, my daughter and I barely spoke, and I’d stopped painting. He helped me see how the smoking was a way of avoiding what was hurting, and we began to shift things -- back toward painting, and toward reconnecting with my daughter.
I’m painting again, my daughter and I are much closer and see each other regularly, and I don’t feel the need to smoke anymore.”Celeste H. "I started working with Paul to figure out how to deal with a difficult supervisor. My job feels secure now, I have no difficulty with my boss, and I continue to see Paul regularly. He's a supportive, empathetic ally."