I’m told that I am easy to talk to, and that I make it easier to talk about difficult. People who have had unsatisfying experiences in therapy before have commented that I've made it much more comfortable and collaborative. I am an “active” therapist; I won’t sit and stare with a deeply meaningful expression on my face while you do all the talking. There are actually good technical reasons why some psychoanalysts remain silent much of the time. The problem is, plenty of therapists do that with no good reason. In a very real sense, this is a partnership, and you must believe I’m engaged in it with you.

I'll join you in working on both solving the problems of daily life, finding room for comfort and and creativity, and, if you wish, exploring dreams, deep memories and the bigger patterns of your personality and relationships. I'll help make therapy a different and positive kind of relationship, in which you can focus on things you need to express but, for many reasons, cannot share with friends and family. "Positive Psychology" is an important element of a great deal of the work I do with people. a term for an approach to the psyche and therapy which emphasizes building on strengths, potentials, and development, rather than seeking and "curing" illnesses.

Mental illness exists, of course, and it is a source of great pain for so many. But psychotherapy doesn't need to be packaged as a kind of old-fashioned medical treatment in order to seem legitimate. Yes, a competent therapist can help you heal from any of a number of actual psychological disorders And related physical problems. But self-discovery, making one's life fit one's goals, fantasies, and values, maximizing our capacity for fulfilling relationships, work, and creativity, becoming more comfortable in your own skin, becoming stronger and more flexible rather than just minimizing or fixing so-called "weaknesses" or "issues" - these are good things. You don't have to identify as sick or disabled in order to benefit from this unique work we do.

I offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and humanistic approaches to help individuals and couples of all ages who are seeking help and change. I am experienced with relationship conflict, self-image, transition, destructive habits and thinking, developing confidence and creativity, coping with trauma, chronic pain and illness, and all forms of depression and anxiety...as well as helping you reach what your nature is urging you to seek.