Approach
How I Work
Psychotherapy gets referred to as "the talking cure", where language becomes a vehicle for treatment. Ours is a culture of words, and we use them to create meaning and symbolize our emotional experiences. Narratives and stories about ourselves are all encoded in language, as are our thoughts and beliefs. To understand a person, you have to learn how to "speak their language"—thus, an essential part of my work with people is helping them to say everything to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, and learn about what gets in their way.
In my experience, when people who are experiencing challenges in relationships or struggle with self-esteem, identity, and depression start psychotherapy, they tend to discover that these challenges are not new. Instead, these issues have typically been challenging to resolve because of their hold on a person’s life—the roots are often far-reaching and deep, comprised of narratives about who a person is that may no longer fit, or are now interfering with their ability to live a more fulfilling life.
Through learning about these narratives, we start to see patterns emerge in what was once a tangled jumble of symptoms. When we understand our patterns and where they came from, we better understand how to break repetitive cycles. We're not merely revisiting the past, but traveling back to view it with fresh eyes and create new meanings and pathways.
As the patient, you lead this process. We go at your pace to meet your needs and goals for the treatment. I work with you by listening without judgment, and helping you put your experiences and feelings into words. Speaking freely is a crucial part of the process, and I work to create a safe environment that allows you to do so.
At times, therapy can involve examining the wounded parts of our lives and ourselves, which can mean feeling the pain or discomfort of these wounds. Re-experiencing these painful parts in a safe, nonjudgmental, and trusting therapeutic relationship starts the process of enabling you to have a different experience of them. Working deeply this way can take time, though it is ultimately the most rewarding.
That being said, I strongly believe this work doesn't need to be heavy or serious. Humor, creativity, play, and spontaneity are crucial elements of successful treatment, as is the "here and now", or talking about what's happening between us and in the process.
When we learn to listen carefully, our emotions guide us toward solutions, even if they once felt like the problem. A deeper understanding of yourself makes it possible to make different choices and change the outdated ideas or beliefs that stand in the way of leading a rewarding life.
Qualifications
Training
Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies — ongoing
The Center for Group Studies — ongoing
The Center for Complicated Grief at the Columbia School of Social Work — 2020
International Association of Trauma Professionals — 2020
Ackerman Institute for the Family — 2018
Education
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service — Master of Social Work
Fordham University — Bachelor's of Science
Fees
I accept cash, credit cards, Venmo, or Zelle as forms of payment. Contact me to learn more about my rates.
I do not accept insurance. If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement through your insurance company. I provide all necessary documentation and paperwork to receive reimbursement.
I have partnered with Mentaya to help people use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy. Use this tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services. Otherwise, I recommend contacting your provider directly and asking about your out-of-network benefits.