My Approach to Helping

Are you struggling with anxiety about a changing world and uncertain future? You’ve always had a voice in your head that is self-critical and holds you to impossible expectations. Now it has kicked into overdrive. You have a persistent feeling of “not good enough” that shows up when you’re working, taking care of your home or family, even when you are trying to relax or have fun. You live in fear of making mistakes. Your mind races with thoughts about what you could have done better or how you disappointed someone. You often feel overwhelmed, paralyzed, hopeless.

It is possible to get through difficult times with your mental health and emotional well-being intact. Worry and stress are unavoidable, but you CAN change your relationship to that anxious, self-critical voice in your head. I help you find new ways to respond to your anxiety, so that it doesn’t run your life, interrupt your sleep, or prevent you from connecting with friends and family.

I incorporate wisdom from mindfulness meditation practices as well as from cutting-edge research in neurobiology. You can make real progress toward reducing anxiety and self-criticism, lifting depression, and building more honest and intimate connections with those you love. I offer both short-term therapy to build skills to get through tough times, as well as longer-term work to heal underlying issues that prevent you from thriving no matter what life throws your way.

More Info About My Practice

Take the next step towards feeling better -- call now to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I can be of help.

As of March 2020 I am offering only online sessions, to anyone living in the state of California. I will resume in-person sessions when public health conditions allow!

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

One of my specialties is working with perfectionism and the "inner critic" -- that voice inside that judges, condemns, berates us. For some, this voice is so loud and overpowering that it wreaks havoc on self-esteem and general happiness and well-being. Many of us who struggle with this find that we can be compassionate and patient with loved ones, but harsh and unforgiving with ourselves. For others, that harsh judge gets pointed outwards at others too. Perhaps family and friends have told you they find you impossible to please, or they walk on eggshells worrying about disappointing your high expectations.

I understand what it is like to have a harsh inner judge, and I know how to help. By exploring what that inner judge is afraid of, what it's trying to protect you from, you can find new ways to listen and respond. Together we can transform that voice into something that supports you to be your best self, rather than something that holds you back.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I find it so powerful to sit face-to-face with another human being, to listen intently, care deeply, and be fully present, no electronic devices to distract us. I feel honored to be let in to each person's unvarnished truth, to be allowed to accompany each person to their darkest and brightest places. I love being part of the healing process, helping people find their inner strengths and become their best selves.

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

Therapy is an investment in YOU. It is an investment in your health, both physical and mental, because as we are learning more and more the two are deeply connected. It is an investment in your success -- in your career, your relationships, your creative work, and your happiness. Most people devote time, energy, and money to taking care of their bodies by exercising and eating right. The rest of you deserves some love and attention too. In stressful times it is critical to devote time and energy to your mental and emotional health.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

I have grappled with perfectionism most of my life. I know the pain that comes with unreasonably high expectations and never feeling "good enough." I also know the delicious relief that comes from changing your relationship to your inner judge. I know how much more productive and creative work can be when motivated by self-compassion instead of self-criticism, and how much more connected and loving relationships can be without an inner critic distorting everything. I understand the pain of depression, anxiety, and perfectionism, and I know a few ways out of these traps.