My Approach to Helping
I'm passionate about helping you understand your relationship to transitions and unexpected changes; especially those experienced through loss of a loved one. I collaborate with individuals, couples, and groups dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction as a result of life's changes. Together, you and I will identify and tap into the strengths and resources that have gotten you through similar transitions in the past.
I specialize in tackling traumatic grief, aftercare treatment of addiction, exceptional challenges faced by Millennials, and toxic shame endured by members of the LGBTQ community; especially long-term survivors of HIV. I am dedicated to creating a safe, culturally sensitive space for my clients that is sex-positive and LGBTQ Affirmative.
I understand toxic shame and loss first-hand. My history as a gay, sober man experiencing multiples losses, combined with my education and clinical experience treating the effects of trauma, chronic illness and loss, allow me to empathize with you as you face these challenges. Grief and shame bring up the "shoulds;" let's refocus your story on the "coulds."
More Info About My Practice
ADOLESCENT-TEEN GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS | THERAPY HEALS
Thursdays from 7-8:20 pm
I am co-facilitating an adolescent-teen grief support group for youth 10-18 years of age in my new private practice in Pasadena along with Jennifer R. Levin, MFT, Ph.D., FT of Therapy Heals. Please contact me to find out more information. Referrals are welcome and appreciated.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
I am a gay male therapist with years of personal experience with addiction and loss. Being a member of the "Baby Boomer" generation gives me insight into the challenges faced over decades of living. It also allows me to empathize with Gen-Xers and Millennials as they navigate through the sea of options creating both challenges and opportunities specific to their generations. My personal experience as a gay man and my clinical training in the LGBTQ community has inspired me to focus on gay men struggling with the coming out process and those over 50 who face issues of aging, health, relationships, sexuality and addiction as long-term survivors of HIV. My experience and work with addiction allows me to support those of you who are currently working within a 12-step program, and also collaborate with you when you don't feel supported in that environment by helping you build an empowering relationship with addiction.