Ayal Hausfeld
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Hello, and thanks for visiting. When it comes to my role as a therapist, I am a listener first and foremost. My job as I see it, is to get to know you and the nuances of your world and follow your spark wherever that takes us. I organize my practice around core principles such as;
Interpersonal connection: Interpersonal contact/ in-person contact, is invaluable to the therapeutic process. To this end, unless logistically impossible, I hold sessions in-person. Teletherapy is perfect for some clients and therapists alike, based on personal preference, user-friendliness and relational style. There are also occasions it is the best option I can offer. That said, I work face to face whenever possible.
Relational, eclectic approach: When it comes to the type of therapy I offer, my interventions and responses may range from practical and quantifiable, to more instinctual, creative and experiential, depending on what the moment seems to call for. In this way, I have faith in the relational process of therapy, over a specific therapeutic technique or curriculum. On one hand, I believe in the scientific method and the ways “Evidenced Based Practices” provide us with hard data relative to what tends to “work” in therapy. On the other hand, pioneers of psychotherapy such as the late Carl Jung, encouraged us to “Learn all of the theories and master all of the techniques, but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.” Said another way, more than any theory or technique, “It’s the relationship that heals.” -Irving Yalom
Clients are trustworthy and can pace themselves: Unless a client requests that I guide them on how often to come in, I leave this decision to them (kids included). Similarly, in regard to the content of a session, or if/when someone chooses to broach one life issue over another, I trust adults and kids alike, to share what they are ready for, when they are ready for it.
My approach to counseling is the result of being influenced and inspired by innumerable people, places and ideas. Some pertinent benchmarks along the way have been graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1997 and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Naropa University in 2003. I have been working in the field of counseling and art therapy since 1999 and have worked with individuals, families and couples, ranging in age from little ones to seniors. These days, because my physical stamina is changing with age, I work with people ages 16 and up.