Approach

I work with clients from a psychodynamic and attachment-focused lens. I am interested in, and value, exploring both the “here and now” sources of struggle in addition to the stories of how they came to be. Exploring underlying and sometimes unconscious self concepts, beliefs, core experiences, and early relationships with our caregivers can provide useful information about the ways we interact with our worlds in the present.  Sometimes we settle into behaviors or patterns that may have been adaptive at some point, but no longer serve us.  Many clients come to me undergoing major life changes, which, even when desired, can elicit a complex set of feelings to navigate. I also often work with clients who feel that their lives are mostly going well, but want a greater sense of meaning, connectedness or care for themselves.

I bring humanism, sensitivity, humor and creativity into my relationships with clients and honor the vulnerability that presents itself in the room. I believe strongly in the ability to shift patterns based on insight, processing, and skill building through therapy. At times, I may also utilize EMDR, art, and mindfulness to more deeply explore, understand, and shift parts of the self that feel fixed or stuck.

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Background

I am a licensed clinical social worker (California BBS #86041). A Los Angeles native, I received my bachelor of arts in philosophy and studio art from Kenyon College and worked in philanthropy focused on climate change and social justice issues in San Francisco and New York before receiving a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University. My academic curiosity about the ways humans make sense of their inner lives in addition to my own life and therapeutic experiences positioned me to pursue a career as a psychotherapist and I continue to be deeply fulfilled by the work. Much of my clinical training took place in inpatient and outpatient community mental health clinics with infants and caregivers, children, teenagers and adults.

My approach is eclectic and based on the unique needs of each client. My practice is grounded in psychodynamic, relational, somatic, and attachment-based theory.

Education

BA. Kenyon College, Philosophy and Studio Art. 2008.
MSW. Columbia University. 2014.

Trainings and Certifications

I have been trained in the following:

  • The Art of Holding Perinatal Women in Distress through the Postpartum Stress Center and Karen Kleiman

  • Perinatal Mental Health Training through Postpartum Support International

  • Attachment-Focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Parts 1, 2, and 3 through the Parnell Institute

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Child-Parent Psychotherapy

  • Survivors After Suicide Group Facilitation

  • Infancy, Childhood, and Relationship Enhancement Initial Assessment (0-5)

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training