Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

Are you depressed? Stressed at work? Upset over a failing relationship? Psychotherapy can help! It can help you achieve clarity, a renewed sense of hope, balance and purpose, in essence, become happier about you! During the initial consultation, we'll identify your most pressing concerns and decide which to work on right away. We'll talk about your relationships, or lack of them. And what you want and need from the important people in your life. Then, we'll look at choices you're making to see if they help or hurt you, at what causes you to act the way you do, at what can be changed and what cannot. I try to be compassionate and understanding so you won't feel judged; I feel it is a serious responsibility to be trusted with your deepest concerns. Though I may make suggestions, ultimately, I believe you are the authority on your own life. I tell my clients, "I will give you my advice, but I don't expect you to take it!" After the first session, at the very least, you will see your problems from a new perspective. I believe my greatest strength as a therapist is being able to see the big picture of your life from the details you provide me. If you can see your story with new eyes, compassionate and uncritical eyes, you can begin the process of changing the way you live your life! My practice consists of individual and couples counseling. The age range of clients I work with is from 20-60+ years old. The average time my clients spend in therapy varies quite a bit, from one session to several years. Many return weekly for the first four weeks, then space visits out according to need. I make myself available for phone consultation to all of my clients, should the need for a brief conversation between sessions arise. If you have any questions, feel free to write to my e-mail address or telephone my office. I will respond within 24 hours.

More Info About My Practice

My background: I graduated from Columbia University in 1982, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Psychology. Then I took my Masters Degree in Psychiatric Social Work at Columbia in 1984. My work experience and training includes inpatient psychiatric hospital units, outpatient clinics and the Drug and Alcohol counseling center at the former El Toro Marine Base. I maintain a private practice in Irvine, California. I continue to search for the newest ideas in psychology to offer my clients. Recent training has been with Dr. William Glasser, the originator of Reality Therapy (Choice Theory), Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of the new "Positive Psychology" (Authentic Happiness) and Dr. Sue Johnson, co-founder of Emotion Focused Therapy (Hold Me Tight). Other theories of interest include the Schema Therapy of Dr. Jeffrey Young (Reinventing Your Life). The books in parentheses are ones you might find helpful. ***Studies show that people gain a sense of relief ...just by making the first appointment. ***