I listen carefully and thoughtfully to you. This opens up new ways of approaching problems. "Putting two heads together" lightens the load. We tend to repeat problematic experiences. Therapy provides a second chance. People often keep themselves from getting what they most want by the ways in which they protect themselves. These ways were necessary in the past, but are no longer helpful. Together we understand the issues you struggle with, and why these are difficult for you. Doing this in an accepting relationship helps you feel more compassion for yourself. This leads to increased self esteem and a stronger sense of self.
Individual Therapy
Being carefully and thoughtfully listened to opens up new ways of approaching problems. Together we explore and understand various aspects of yourself including the meaning of your feelings, thoughts, dreams, memories and interpersonal interactions. I listen in a way that can access multiple levels of meaning. Our inner world and early experience color the way we perceive current relationships including the relationship with the therapist/analyst. Understanding issues as they come up in the therapy relationship, as well as in your outside life, leads to greater self awareness and more satisfying ways of relating.
Psychoanalytic theory is uniquely suited to allowing me to understand and respond to you. The theory and method foster personal development, liberation from unsatisfying patterns of living, and relief from symptoms.
Couples Counseling
Being in an intimate couples relationship can provide a unique "home" where we feel safe, supported and understood. Yet too often people are kept from enjoying these unique and invaluable benefits by problems. This is because intimate relationships can stir up old fears and patterns of relating from our earliest relationships.
Being able to talk together about the feelings and interactions between you in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere leads to greater understanding and compassion for yourself and your partner. This in turn leads to an increased ability to communicate with and listen to each other, and an increase in emotional and physical intimacy. I help couples learn more effective ways to communicate. This includes helping understand the fears and vulnerabilities that impede the closeness that is both longed for and feared.
I have experience helping people with:
patterns of unsatisfying relationships and painful experiences
depression, anger, fear
anxiety and panic
self esteem issues
life changes such as divorce and grief
difficulties with communication
emotional and physical intimacy problems
work and career issues
trauma, both recent and childhood
LGBTQ issues
cross cultural issues
eating disorders
Diane Zerbe, LICSW, BCD
1932 First Avenue, Suite 600A Seattle, Washington 98101 206.441.6399