A NEW THERAPY APPROACH
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
-Carl Jung
Mel practices in Westport,
CT and virtually by Zoom.
I believe in everyone’s potential and devote myself to helping people manifest their possibilities. I’ve facilitated over 40,000 hours of therapy sessions and remain passionate and excited by my calling. I am proactive and share any part of my own journey that may be helpful in assisting you.
I don’t limit myself to a single therapeutic approach which can be limiting and programmatic. I’ve therefore crafted my own particular approach from perspectives that have been greatly influenced by innovative thinkers from both in and outside of the field of psychotherapy.
My orientation is toward systems thinking, philosophy, humanistic values and the emerging sciences–in particular quantum physics–which have enabled me to cultivate a truly integrative approach in my practice. These methods are thoroughly delineated in my new book, The Possibility Principle. My therapeutic engagement is tailored in a customized, bespoke way which provides me many tools in my toolbox. I trust that we’ll find the most effective method for you early in our work together.
I don’t diagnose my clients other than for insurance requirements. Diagnosing tends to turn people into objects. We all struggle at times and I resist the practice of labeling and pathologizing people. Oversimplification –the earmark of diagnoses-limits new thinking and the healing process, which can be terribly dehumanizing.
I will assist you in transcending your limitations so you can live the life you deserve. I engage each new client, each new couple, with a sense of wonder and curiosity as I come to appreciate the complex tapestry of your life.
My intention is to connect with empathy yet offer insight, guidance and new skills at times. I invite my clients into a co-participatory yet compassionate process as I help clarify and facilitate your path forward. I use all of the skills, experience, and knowledge available to me to ensure that you’ll achieve your goals.
Freeing yourself from the limiting experiences and imprint of your past is altogether achievable. I believe in everyone’s potential and devote myself to helping you manifest your possibilities. If you have a goal you wish to achieve and have the willful intention to do so, there’s no reason not to succeed.
My therapeutic engagement is tailored in a customized, bespoke way which provides me many tools in my toolbox. I trust that we’ll find the most effective method for you early in our work together.I don’t diagnose my clients other than for insurance requirements. Diagnosing tends to turn people into objects. We all struggle at times and I resist the practice of labeling and pathologizing people. Over simplification –the earmark of diagnoses-leads to critical errors of observation, which can be terribly dehumanizing.
EXPERTISE
RELATIONSHIPS
COMMUNICATION
I teach individuals and couples how to develop a powerful command of their communication skills–a fundamental step toward personal growth and relationship. The ultimate goal is to engage in fruitful and generative dialogue with compassion, validation, and empathy. Effective communication is a vital ingredient in enjoying a successful life.
DIVORCE TRANSITION
So many of us wrestle with this life-altering decision, often accompanied by fear and distress. So, how do we come to make this critical choice? I’ll help you navigate this terrain through individual/marital counseling. If you’re already in the divorce process, I’ll share strategies and support to assist you in this challenging time.
LEADERSHIP
Whether in the workplace or with family and friends, leadership is an exceptional and highly valued quality. The attributes of leadership are founded on three principles: Authenticity, emotional intelligence and by embracing uncertainty. Learning these essential skills will distinguish you and your life.
Parenting: Raising Resilient Children
Given the startling rates of emotional and psychological distress amongst our children, it should be evident that our parenting game plan needs rethinking. We can guide our children in developing strong self-esteem and a successful launching. Developing greater emotional intelligence and fostering effective communication skills are the pathway toward prosperous lives.
FOSTERING INDIVIDUAL GROWTH
Learning to break free from our old “stories” and embrace the uncertainty of the unknown, allows us to summon new possibilities into our life. We don’t need to be constrained by our past once we learn to unburden our limiting beliefs and thinking that have acted as a straitjacket. Getting unstuck from our familiar zone opens the doorway to living the life you choose.
ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
You can do better than manage anxiety and depression. You can overcome it, once you learn to transcend your limiting beliefs and thoughts. Often, depression is situational as your circumstances may indeed be depressing. We’ll work to change this. Anxiety is often rooted in our discomfort with uncertainty. When your thoughts attach to fear, the result is anxiety. You can transcend these limitations.
SELF-ESTEEM
Low self-esteem often surfaces as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and a host of other afflictions. Genuine self-esteem doesn’t come from achievement, popularity, and/or financial success. These are markers of what I call “other-esteem,” as they rely on external factors. Authentic self-esteem is derived from being your own best ally, which can be accomplished by developing a healthy relationship with your thoughts.
WEALTH THERAPY
Wealth provides obvious benefits as well as a host of unique challenges to individuals and families. Learning to navigate the complexities around family wealth is essential for emotional and relationship well-being.
“Who am I?” is the wrong question.
Instead ask, “How would I like to experience my life?”
Mel works with individuals, couples, families and adolescents. In addition to therapy sessions, Mel offers live, interactive Zoom workshops for overcoming anxiety, resourceful parenting, cultivating intimate and thriving relationships, and developing authentic self-esteem.