Approach to Therapy

Life can be a challenging and painful process, at times leaving us feeling confused, disappointed and lost. We try the same things over and over, but nothing seems to change.

It can feel overwhelming to try to solve these problems, manage this stress, deal with this pain and find a way to make sense of our lives and feel better. There are times in everyone's life that reaching out for and receiving help can make a real difference in resolving problems and living a more satisfying life.

Studies have shown that it is the quality and strength of the relationship between a therapist and her client that determines the change and progress made. You, as the client, need to feel comfortable, respected, listened to and understood by your therapist. It is important to experience a good fit between you so that you can be honest with yourself and with the therapist without feeling the need to censor your thoughts or feelings. It is my primary goal to create a safe, caring , empathic, non-judgmental environment in which we work together to identify your strengths, explore your pain and problems, understand the patterns that harm you and the path that can help you to heal. It is within the safety of the relationship that growth and change can form the framework for a happier life.

I work with individuals (adults and teens), couples and families from an intergenerational and systems perspective. I have been trained and integrate psychodynamic, object relations, attachment, and cognitive/behavioral theories into my practice. I am a trained EMDR practitioner.

Since every individual and every problem is unique - every psychotherapy is unique. In general, I work with my clients to explore the impact of their family history, identify patterns, understand their own thoughts and feelings and develop goals for therapy that are meaningful to them. My style is interactive and collaborative - I ask a lot of questions and see my role as helping people to understand themselves and identify their own answers.

I try to help people to improve relationships, manage stress and reactivity, resolve pain, shame and depression and move towards strengthening healthy self-esteem and increasing compassion towards themselves and others.

In my 25+ years as a therapist, it has been my privilege to guide a diverse group of clients on the path to fulfillment and happiness. Whether you are dealing with anger, anxiety or depression, problematic relationships (parent-child, family conflict, gay, lesbian, heterosexual couples), bereavement, grief and loss, life transitions (infertility and pregnancy loss, adoption, illness in the family, divorce, re-marriage and blended families, infidelity), self-esteem issues, trauma and abuse, work concerns or communication difficulties, help is available and solutions are within your reach.

To ask about therapy, to arrange an appointment or to schedule a free telephone consultation, please contact me at 215-763-9631 or email to ntlavermsw@aol.com.

"Sometimes in the midst of turmoil and pain, relationships can be difficult to manage alone."