I believe in the importance of a good fit between client and therapist, and in addressing together how the work of therapy is helping you in your day to day life. I believe that in the context of your particular life experience your behavior makes sense (or perhaps, made sense in some context or time in your life while it may be maladaptive now). This belief helps me to avoid pathologizing you or your behavior and, instead, helps me to be respectful and curious about your experience. I believe that each of us is really the "expert" on our own lives and experiences, but that often people get stuck in unhelpful ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and therapy can help with that. As well, if you find yourself living and thinking in ways that do not feel authentic, or ways that do not allow you to know and use your talents, strengths and gifts, that is an appropriate time to seek support. I will work with you to help you come into a fuller appreciation of those neglected or previously inaccessable parts of yourself, as well as to provide opportunities to learn new skills for living when needed.

In my work with you, I will listen very carefully to what you say (and sometimes to what you are not saying, and I will share with you my thoughts about that). I believe that the meanings you make of events in your life and the stories you construct about your experience are important. I work to be transparent in my interactions, bringing my expertise, my own human responses, as well as any additional resources into the conversation. I believe that your agenda for yourself sits at the heart of our work together, while at the same time I try to address popular ideas in our culture that may have some bearing on your experience. I believe it is important to address issues of power in relationships and in our culture, as well as in the therapeutic relationship, and to bring those into the conversation. For more information regarding my philosophy of therapy go to www.behavenet.com/chaynes