My clinical practice is guided by theory, clinical data (patient report, what is observed in session, and dynamics that guide sessions) and the therapeutic relationship. This means that I hold the relationships an individual has to him or herself and others as the most sacred place of strength and vulnerability. Safely exploring the patient-therapist relationship can engender insights into core beliefs about self and other, and one's own perception and experience of the world. By carefully looking at an indiviudal's relationships (or couple's relationship to one another), including that of patient and therapist, one can see patterns of difficulty, and many times, long-standing fears and longings.

Theories that inform my practice include: psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, relational, object relations, person-in-environment, behavioral, feminist and attachment. Psychodynamic therapies seek to understand the interplay of the conscious and unconscious, the seen and unseen emotional currents that inform personality and motivation. This approach allows room to explore the origins, or "roots" of personality traits and ways of relating to the world.

When clinically appropriate and indicated, I also provide therapeutic interventions informed by behavioral therapies including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I have received specialized post-graduate training in both psychodynamic psychotherapy and the behavioral therapies. Should you have any questions regarding the differences amongst these therapies, I encourage you to voice them.

Commitment to Diversity

Dedicated to understanding and serving the unique needs of patients not identified with socially dominant groups, I work with individuals from a multiplicity of perspectives. Creating a therapeutic space marked by authenticity, acceptance and respectful curiosity is vital to allowing clients to enter "where they are" and as who they are.