I am an NYU-trained therapist who helps adult and teen individuals, couples, and families examine the barriers holding them back and the blind spots they’re avoiding so they can make meaningful change. In my work with adults with anxiety, depression, grief, and relational concerns, I treated both individuals who believed they were stuck with no hope for change and others whose lives appeared successful on paper—a good job, a healthy relationship, a solid friend group—but still felt off without knowing why. Through further psychoanalytic training from the National Institute for the Psychotherapies, I understand how a person’s early experiences can continue to inform struggles in adulthood. Many individuals can recognize the patterns in their behaviors or relationships that contribute to their suffering but can’t figure out the next step. I take an active role guiding individuals to find new ways of relating to their past and look critically at what is no longer working, so they can make informed moves toward growth rather than waiting for perfection.
Previously part of a practice that specialized in complex trauma, I recognize how trauma occurs in relationships but is also healed through trusting relationships. In our society, there is pressure to brush off traumatic experiences, which can be isolating for a person suffering. In therapy, I create a safe, nonjudgmental environment that balances listening and reflection in which individuals can parse through past and present experiences, feelings, and conscious and unconscious choices. I deeply care about my patients, yet I am also not afraid to provide gentle challenging when needed.
Each partner brings their own perspective to the relationship, shaped by the experiences they've endured throughout their life. In couples therapy, I help partners maintain curiosity about what might be beneath each other’s feelings and reactions. Couples are often more sensitive and care more deeply than they let on. However, when in conflict, intent is not always aligned with impact, and I encourage couples to voice their intent while recognizing the impact. I not only support couples to reach a more loving place in their relationship while holding accountability, but if a couple decides together to not continue the relationship, I also provide opportunities to work through why and how to thoughtfully separate.
Within families, there are multiple sides to every story, complaint, and disagreement—and every family member has their own unique role and experience within the family dynamic. In family therapy, I take a hands-on approach to aiding family members in discussing their hopes and fears as individuals and as a family unit. My goal is not to collude with families to avoid arguments, but for family members to learn how to acknowledge one another’s viewpoints and work through these struggles in a more understanding, compassionate way.
Adolescence can be both the most exciting and challenging time in a person’s development. Teens create deep friendships, explore relationships, and navigate wanting to be a separate individual from their parents, all while balancing school, extracurriculars, and college applications. I support teens to build compassion for themselves, their decisions, and their inevitable mistakes as they grow. Treating teens struggling with anxiety, including social anxiety, ADHD, and ODC, I’ve witnessed how teens can grapple with coming to terms with making mistakes, which can cause anxiety, depression, and self-hatred that festers. I help teens hold themselves accountable for their actions and define their values while avoiding beating themselves up with regret. I also collaborate closely with a teen’s parents to provide support for their kid who is in crisis and establish boundaries that will make them feel safer.