My philosophy
I love working in a profession rooted in connection, vulnerability, and authenticity. I left a previous career to do this work, and it was the best decision I ever made. As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space, where our relationship itself is part of the therapeutic experience. When you join me in a session, we will explore the reasons you came to therapy, as well as other aspects of yourself that emerge in the process. I take a psychodynamic approach, which means we look at what is occurring in the present and consider how your reactions and perspective may be impacted by your earlier life experiences. Through this work, you will become more aware of how those experiences have shaped you, learn to release the outdated patterns that no longer serve you, and claim a more authentic version of yourself.
My background
Over the past decade, I have treated people with everyday challenges as well as severe mental illness. I have worked in various professional settings in New York City, including five years at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, and I also provide clinical supervision to other therapists. In my therapy practice, I primarily see people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, spiritual distress, addictions, ADHD, and relationship problems.
I hold a master's degree in social work from Columbia University, and I have been a licensed mental health professional since 2014. My previous background was in linguistics, obtaining a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley (1996) and a PhD from Georgetown (2006). Through linguistics, I learned how language and culture affect perspective, ideology, and mental health, and I bring this cultural competence to my work as a therapist today.