Ken Peters

When we experience difficulty in life, we do our best to adapt. We may push away our pain or try to mentally escape our situation. These strategies may help in the short term, but our unresolved issues often resurface in confusing or distressing symptoms. We can find ourselves in patterns of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or confused. These patterns are not just random occurrences but meaningful signals that something needs more attention.

Psychotherapy is a confidential space, outside of your regular relationships, to consider life’s challenges with a caring professional. At its core, therapy involves connecting with your many feelings and thoughts and expressing yourself in an authentic way. We make space for you to explore and communicate whatever is happening for you.

I see psychotherapy as a process of integration. Human beings are complex, and we can only be aware of so much at any given time. Different aspects of ourselves move in and out of view. Therapy can help you look at these different aspects more closely and connect the dots over time, weaving together a fuller understanding of your multifaceted self.

Therapy is different from self-help or meditation because there are two complex minds at work. As a therapist, I work along with you, paying attention with openness, curiosity, and respect. This special type of conversation can help you access and process parts of life that feel hard to approach on your own.

Therapy is not always easy, and it takes time. The process often involves going to those places that feel scary or upsetting, and working through the reality of pain. However, my experience is that working on one’s self is an investment that pays off. Therapy facilitates growth, clarity, and well-being, as well as evoking aptitudes and potentials you didn’t even realize you had.

How I Work

My desire is to provide an open, genuine, and calm presence where you can authentically talk about yourself and what is happening for you.

We start with an initial consultation at no cost. This gives an opportunity to talk about what brings you to therapy and ask questions about the process.

If we decide to move forward, we book our first full session. In this meeting, I will gather some more information about you and what brings you to therapy. I will ask about your history, relationships, and experiences. This provides a structured way to enter the therapy process.

As we continue our sessions, we follow what is on your mind. You may feel nervous or awkward about talking, and this is understandable. I hope to provide an atmosphere where you feel as comfortable as possible to talk in an authentic way. If you get stuck, I am here to support you in the process.

Sometimes it takes a while to know if a therapist and client are a good match for long-term work. Committing to 10 sessions as a “trial” period is helpful. During this time you can get a sense of me as a therapist, as I work to better understand your concerns and how I can help. We can talk about how the process is going for you. If either of us feel that another therapist is a better fit for you, I am happy to make a referral or point you in the right direction.

My practice is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which has a long tradition of evolving theories concerning human development and mental health. I also have an interest in mindfulness, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and humanistic theories that emphasize the importance of authenticity, emotional awareness, and the inner capacity to heal.

Quotes to Consider

“Even things that seem completely forgotten are present somehow and somewhere.”

Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis

“One of the few blessings of living in an age of anxiety is that we are forced to become aware of ourselves.”

Rollo May, existential psychologist

“What you resist not only persists, but will grow in size.”

Carl Jung, founder of analytical psychology

“You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.”

Brené Brown, academic and author

“Our neurosis and our wisdom are made out of the same material.”

Pema Chödrön, Buddhist nun and author

“Express yourself. Don’t repress yourself.”

Madonna, pop star

Please contact me at kenpeters@tutamail.com if you would like to arrange a free initial consultation.