
Expertise
I have a passion for bringing attention to the importance of satisfying relationships, authentic living, self-acceptance, creativity, and joy.
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Individual Therapy
Anxiety / Depression / Life Transitions / Burnout / Self-care/ Work-Life Balance / Trauma / Creativity / Identity / Motivation / Self & other / Negative self-talk
We can’t avoid negative emotions like sadness, fear, worthlessness, and worry. So, eventually they catch up with us. We can't avoid having thoughts and looking for meaning behind what we do and experience - we are human. As with all emotions, occasional sadness and anxiety are normal life experiences. However, when mood and anxiety issues interfere with your ability to enjoy life, or get in the way of your goals, it is time to seek help. My integrative approach is informed by current findings in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, allowing me to provide you with the most up-to-date, informed, and effective care. My expertise is in time-limited, evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT) and the Unified Protocol for emotional disorders. Third wave CBT (like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness based interventions) focuses on behavioral processes like developing healthy ways to cope with stress, emotions, and complicated relationships. -
Couples, Families, Relationships
Intimacy / Communication / Context / Sex / Validation / Empathy / Understanding / Value / Meaning / Connection
I have over a decade of experience in conceptualizing and treating struggling interpersonal and intimate relationships. Through a honed lens of social constructionism, I focus on understanding and meeting the unique needs, meanings, and values of each relationship. Every relationship is unlike any other. This stance promotes authentic curiosity and explores how we make meaning together. In therapy, we collaborate in creating a new way of relating that allows the rediscovery of empathy for each other, and resolves troubling patterns of communication and differences in expectations that negatively impact understanding, connection, and value.
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Diversity and Diverse Relationships
LGBTQIA+ / Non-traditional identity / Sexuality / Open Relationships / Gender fluidity / Polyamory / Kink Knowledgeable / BDSM / Cultural competency / Transcendental experiences / Strength / Unique
In order to strengthen and repair ourselves and our relationships it is necessary to create emotional safety and understanding. I have been privileged to work with a diverse group of former clients, and have the cultural competency to assist clients in navigating the often complex nuances of their backgrounds. Cultural competence stems from building connection upon understanding your experience and your identities. I bring evidence-based practices and a natural openness and curiosity in combination with a deep understanding of the social contexts surrounding you and your identities. We will seamlessly address your unique challenges, relationships, and experiences while molding strategies to your individual needs. -
Trauma-focused Therapy
Interpersonal / Safety / Trust / Hope / Impact / Minority Stress / Stigma / Shame / Numbness
In order to strengthen and repair ourselves and our relationships it is necessary to create emotional safety and understanding. I have been privileged to work with a diverse group of former clients, and have the cultural competency to assist clients in navigating the often complex nuances of their backgrounds. Cultural competence stems from building connection upon understanding your experience and your identities. I bring evidence-based practices and a natural openness and curiosity in combination with a deep understanding of the social contexts surrounding you and your identities. We will seamlessly address your unique challenges, relationships, and experiences while molding strategies to your individual needs.
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Experience
Private Practice and Owner, Relational Alchemy, Los Angeles, California & New York, New York
Assistant Professor, Couple and Family Therapy Programs, Alliant International University, Los Angeles, California
Staff Psychologist, Greater Los Angeles VA Health System, Los Angeles, California
Postdoctoral Fellow, Family Mental Health Program, VA San Diego Health Care System/University of California, San Diego, California
Predoctoral Intern, VA Maryland Health Care System/University of Maryland School of Medicine Psychology Internship Consortium, Baltimore, Maryland
Extern, Yale School of Public Health, Effective Skills to Empower Effective Men (ESTEEM) Project, New York, New York
Supervisor: John Pachankis, Ph.D.
Extern, Relationship and Forensic Assessment Clinic, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
Supervisor: Dr. K. Daniel O'Leary
Extern, NuHealth’s Therapy Center for Children, Adolescents & Families, Nassau University Medical Center, Hempstead, New York
Intern, Saltzman Center, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York -
Education
Doctor of Philosophy and Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Stony Brook University (State University of New York), Stony Brook, New York
Mentor: K. Daniel O’Leary, Ph.D.
Masters Thesis Advisors: K. Daniel O’Leary, Ph.D., & Nicholas R. Eaton, Ph.D.
Received President's Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student
Masters of Arts (with Distinction) in Marriage and Family Therapy, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience concertation) and Post-Baccalaureate premedical program, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Clinical Fellow Designation
- Cognitive Processing Therapy Certified
- Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy Certified
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 2
- Kink Knowledgeable Level 1
- Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy (2022)
- ISTI Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP)
- ISTI Certified in Integrative Couples Therapy (CSTIP)