psychotherapy

• Treating depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, trauma, grief and loss, crises related to life transitions, mid-life and older adult issues, with a particular expertise in eating disorders.

In my clinical practice, I incorporate the tools of psychodynamic and systems theory, as well as cognitive and behavioral therapy, to meet your individual needs. Above all, I believe that a safe and supportive relationship is the key to an effective therapeutic process. Therefore, I go to great lengths to provide a comfortable and nurturing environment for you as we explore your emotions and experiences together. After many years in practice, I’ve come to understand just how crucial this process can be to the success of treatment and I strive to make it one of my highest priorities.

In my work with you, I also undertake an exploration of your personal history since symptoms often reflect past adaptive choices and behavior. This is especially helpful because many times, someone enters psychotherapy because of a personal crisis. Together we can harness the opportunity to help you learn more about yourself, create more effective choices and ultimately transform your life.

Additionally, it is my firm belief that psychotherapy does not begin and end with with a psychotherapist, and I advocate a truly comprehensive, team approach. For biological disorders - including bipolar disorder and depression - I may recommend a psychiatric consultation for medication. And, in treating eating disorders, I incorporate the cooperative medical advice and consultation of one’s physician, nutritionist, or other specialists. Most importantly, my goal is to shape treatment to your individual needs as we work together.

• Development of more fulfilling couple, parent-child and family relationships.

In couples therapy, I appreciate the "live theater" of partners' interactions because it offers insight into the couple's approach to communication, level of intimacy, values and conflict-resolution skills. In general, I work towards providing new skills for more effective problem solving. I also work with issues related to sexuality, parenting and extra-marital affairs, while teaching couples new ways to inject romance into their relationship. I may supplement our office visits with homework assignments to reinforce new listening and communication practices as well as more effective behaviors.

In parent-child and family therapy, I seek to bring a sense of balance to relationships. With splits in the parental unit, or inappropriate boundaries between family members, I help to open new lines of communication and establish firmer or more open boundaries depending on the needs of the family.

group therapy

• Treating relationship and specific concerns (e.g., divorce, mid-life issues, eating disorders) within the context of a group interaction.

A group therapy environment can augment treatment by providing support and feedback from other patients struggling with similar issues. As a facilitator, I help group members identify themes and develop more adaptive patterns in their lives. I also encourage patients to look at themselves and others in new ways. The group therapy experience offers a unique opportunity to put these new tools into practice.

stress management

• Integrating the mind and body through relaxation and mindfulness practices.

Building on new research showing the connection between the mind and the body, I target both as I help you reduce stress in your life. Through breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation (i.e., tensing and relaxing your muscles) and mindfulness (i.e., focused attention without judgment) practices, you will be able to better deal with anxiety, anger and fear, as well as cope with their related effects. For optimal stress management, I also recommend healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

women's issues

• Focusing on concerns particular to women, from adolescence to old age, such as body image, care taking, career and family balance, sexual abuse and self-care.

Women, we are different! In addition to our hormonal shifts, biological vulnerability and more self-critical ways, we are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. This is strikingly borne out in statistical surveys, which consistently show that women, the world over, are unhappier than ever. This shift is due, in part, to the availability of many more choices in our lives and the increase in demands we place on ourselves; we now find ourselves doing more and enjoying it less.

Given women’s capacity to form strong attachments, I empathize a relational model, whereby a woman’s voice is honored, respected and augmented. I encourage women to find balance and a sense of control in their lives, while also prioritizing their needs. I especially enjoy working with adolescent and young women as they enter womanhood and establish their identities. And I find it exciting to help mid-life and older women reclaim their lives after deferring to other people’s judgments and needs.

More on women's issues...