Music has been a driving force in my life for many years. Music can tell a story through sounds or lyrics, but the artists have their own unique stories as well. Though I listen primarily to rock and jazz, I have enjoyed many other kinds of music as well. I have chosen the artists on this page not just because I enjoy their music, but also because I believe their artistry demonstrates an aspect of my counseling philosophy. But don't worry if you like something different... You're the hero of your story and it's all about what YOU like.
Miles DavisPerhaps the ultimate American artist, Miles Davis fought racism and adversity to establish himself as a leading figure in jazz. Though his early work (such as Kind of Blue) is fairly well known, I prefer his later, electric work such as Tribute to Jack Johnson or On The Corner. These works are heavily improvised, and a careful listener will hear a collaborative conversation between the musicians, expressed entirely without spoken language. I try to bring this spirit to my therapeutic services, as I view therapy as collaboration between therapist and client; this conversation can often produce insights and results that neither could have achieved or anticipated on their own.
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OpethThough many may put off by Opeth’s incredibly heavy sound and harsh, growled vocals, the career of mainman Mikael Akerfeldt is a study in the power of change and a lesson in following your own muse. The band's music can change abruptly, like so many of our lives. His music is heavy without being aggressive and melancholy without falling into despair, and is often powerfully cathartic. By bridging the gap between progressive rock and extreme metal, Akerfeldt has forged a unique catalog of albums, no two of which are exactly alike. He has been true to his vision of himself, and combined his passions into something not previously seen in the world of heavy music. I strive to help my clients identify their own unique strengths as well as identify past successes that be combined in new, previously unknown ways, a powerful recipe for success in music or other areas of life.
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Rilo Kiley
Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis is a perfect example of someone who has applied change to her own life. She had early success in TV and movies, and, like many child stars, fell into troubles and addiction. But she moved to the Midwest and embarked on a new career, using her new locale to be honest to herself and her own muse. The band's lyrics and her soulful voice invoke a short story-like atmosphere, inviting the listener to expand elements in their own mind. How can you weave elements of your story into reinventing yourself? It may not be easy, but your story is your own. No one can rob you of past successes. You are the main character, the lead singer of your own life.
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