There are two phrases that guide my practice in the therapy room:

Human First, Therapist Second

A therapist and client are in relationship with each other, albeit a professional one. We are modeling the healthy relationship that you want to achieve outside the therapy room. And to have a healthy relationship, we need to see each other as complex individuals with strengths, flaws, stories, and needs. My being human for you looks like not holding so tightly to theory that I forget to connect with you on a personal level. I hope that by treating you like a human (not a problem to fix) and by showing you my humanness, we will create a relationship where you feel safe learning and growing as a person, couple, or family. 

You are the expert on your own life.

I am not in the business of telling you what to do. We are different people with vastly different upbringings, and the advice that has guided me through my life might not work for you. Plus, any of your loved ones could offer advice. You work with a therapist to get a new perspective-- a unique blend of empathy and science that helps you help yourself.