In my thirty five years as a psychotherapist, having the privilage of hearing personal stories and long held painful secrets, I am deeply moved by our longing to feel accepted and understood .  “We are wired for connection” says Brene Brown, yet maintaining loving connection (acceptance and understanding) within our closest relationships can be very challenging.  Mostly people contact me when they feel frustrated, angry, alone, afraid, anxious, helpless, and exhausted due to an extended period of relationship discord. We long to feel loved, valued, understood, and accepted for who we are.

A natural reaction to the loss of connection is to self protect by putting up “walls”, (after we’ve made many attempts to please, be kind, share, show affection…).  Our walls come in many forms. Anger. Silence. Blaming. Avoiding. Busyness. Sarcasm. Control.  Letting down these walls, one brick at a time, is essential for creating aliveness and wholeness within ourselves and with those we love. My approach is holistic, gentle, and non-judgemental. My certification as an Imago Therapist and ongoing training in Emotional Focused Therapy give me the tools and confidence to bring couples and families into connection again.

I might add that my marriage of 40 years, each “chapter” having an assortment of setbacks and growth, has been instrumental in my focus and passion for relationship therapy.  I look forward to working together to reinvigorate the open hearted parts of who you really are, behind the walls.

In addition to my counseling degrees, continuing education and certifications, my ‘training’ as a mother and grandmother is endlessly humbling and most gratifying. I am committed to maintaining my own personal growth, which I actively pursue. My own self examination and 30-year Buddhist meditation, mindfulness practice and love of nature have influenced my counseling style tremendously.

As a primer for our work together and the model I practice, please visit – https://centralpaeft.com/what-is-eft