“Hearing exactly what you like is not the same of hearing exactly what you need. Friends can easily accomplish the first one; Lisa easily accomplished the second one.”
– Y.
“More than anything when working with Lisa I felt like I was speaking with a friend, a confidant and a mentor all at once. I greatly appreciate her patience and her flexibility but most of all I appreciate her sound and straightforward advise.”
- Scott H.
“Thanks, Lisa, for what you accomplished last night, especially given that you were meeting with us for the first time. To bring us to the agreement you did, you not only had to elicit and understand our very different points of view, but take some risks. You did this adroitly and brilliantly. Thanks too for the books and service providers you recommended; they’ll be a big help as we go forward.”
– Thomas
Individual Sessions
My counseling approach is one that is practical, realistic, and grounded in problem-solving the issues at hand. Your situation - marital crisis, setting up a separation, divorce, or post-divorce life - and your particular needs determine the focus and process. I will assess what is really going on, provide education and information about this, and work with you to strategize the next steps. You will not feel that working with me involves months or years. You will feel relief, you will feel you have a direction, and you will have more insight about your situation and your options after one or 2 meetings.
This process will not feel vague and never-ending, nor will it feel like “work.” You will feel a new level of insight and understanding about what you are feeling and going through and a direction to pursue with readings, possibly referrals to other therapists, and ways to get additional information.
My approach is geared to move you beyond the high level of emotion, which can get in the way of seeing the options and resolving issues. Instead, the focus is on realistic options and possible solutions. You will be challenged, motivated, and supported by someone who has professional experience and personal experience that is relevant. You will feel you are working with someone who “has been there” and who has the confidence and know-how to help you.
Couples and Divorced Co-Parenting Sessions
If you have not decided to divorce, a session with you and your spouse may be helpful to address the marital crisis that you are in. I can meet with you together or individually and have found that sometimes education about what is occurring is invaluable and can considerably shift your understanding of your marriage and how it got to this place. We can also talk about options and strategize a plan that may involve referrals to other therapists.
If you are considering divorce, it is helpful to get information about separation and divorce options and the process. Sometimes it is best to try a separation if neither of you is sure that you are ready to divorce. A structured separation can be the most helpful way for each of you to have some time and space to consider the serious decision to divorce and to also really figure out what you are feeling and what you want.
If you have decided that you are going to divorce, it may be helpful to have a consultation to talk about how you are going to tell your kids, what you will literally say to them, how you will deal with these issues in your home during this time, how this will all happen, and considerations depending on their ages and your situation. These meetings stay focused on these issues- we do not discuss the past or the reasons for the divorce – we talk about how the 2 of you will work together for the sake of your children and helping them get through the divorce. This is more meaningful to them and more essential to their adjustment to the divorce than you can imagine. Talking about these issues, along with visitation and how you 2 will communicate in the most effective way, is essential. As parents, you will be forever tied to one another through your children. Addressing these issues with a counselor is more effective and constructive than spending the money on lawyers, and ultimately having a judge make decisions that you are capable of making yourself.
The effort you put into this co-parenting relationship will benefit you more than you know. How well you are able to communicate with your ex will determine the level of stress that you and your children will experience in the divorce and years to come. Sometimes it is challenging and frustrating, but when you roll up your sleeves and address these issues, you take the high road and truly come through for your kids.
One-Time 30 Minute Phone Consultation
Talk by phone about your situation and receive practical advice. You can count on having a better grasp of what is going on, quality information that you were unaware of, referral contact information for professionals (like lawyers, financial planners, therapists) that will be able to help you, and a plan of action.
Home Visits
Home visits are an option to office visits. This can be helpful if you have children you are unable to leave, or, if you just feel more comfortable meeting in your own home.
Email Support
Get help by email in the privacy of your home.
Click here for fee structure