My Approach

As a licensed psychotherapist and writer, I'm inspired to help each of my patients take hold of their narrative, understanding where they’ve come from and where they’d like to go. To help you live, as the poet Mary Oliver said, “Your one wild and precious life.”

While I dabble in many theoretical frameworks, I work primarily in the psychoanalytic and psychodynamic traditions, which means understanding how your past and unconscious thoughts and feelings affect your present. In my experience and according to much research, these modalities bring about deep, lasting change not only on the symptom level, but also on the soul level. After all, the word “psychotherapy” is actually derived from the Greek words “psych” – soul – and “therapeia” – healing. I view our sessions as just that: soul-healing.

I've been humbled and astounded by the remarkable ways therapy can change a life, such as: deepening one’s capacity for love and trust; attaining closer, securer relationships; easing of depression, anxiety, and shame; improving self esteem; increasing tolerance for life’s ups and downs; catalyzing the emergence of a truer, more authentic self.

Therapy is a collaborative process between you and me. You speak and I listen attentively, without judgement, for what’s beneath the surface of your words, bringing awareness to what’s getting in the way of a more fulfilling life. Carl Rogers said: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change” and this is true.

Patients find it helpful to explore their childhoods, memories that bubble up, dreams, feelings, fears, wishes, you-name-it. Nothing is insignificant. This is deep, long-term work about deep, long-term change. If needed, I'll share some deep breathing and relaxation exercises to help ground you in the beginning, so we can dive deep.

As we get to know one another, I'll tailor my therapeutic style to fit your unique personality and needs. Your feedback is encouraged. A good therapeutic relationship is, in itself, healing. Research tells us the most important factor of successful treatment is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. I encourage you to be open about your feelings and thoughts regarding our relationship because they can provide fertile ground for understanding what unfolds in your other relationships.

Fill out the contact form to meet for a free, 15-minute phone consultation to learn more, and see if we're a good fit.

Visit this page to learn more about my work with couples.