Introduction and how I work

Much of my young childhood and adolescence was spent as an amateur wrestler, which I continued into college. 

Upon graduating from university I spent approximately five years as a Deputy Probation Counselor -- with much of that time working with juvenile gang members. 

Upon graduating from my masters program in social work (MSW) I spent ten years at Child Protective Services where I eventually supervised the Juvenile Delinquency, Family Therapy and Sex Abuse units. 

My experiences listed above gave me great training on using behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions. I still use many of these techniques today -- for example in the quick reduction of rage, anxiety and sadness. 

But my passion has always been on the more chronic nature of our human pain: Why do we get so anxious? Why is it so hard for us to form nurturing relationships? Why do we so limit ourselves? Why do emotional struggles seem to get temporarily better only to later painfully reemerge?

These questions led me to receive post-graduate training as a psychoanalyst, and because I believe so much of our emotional struggles begin in childhood, I am both a Child and Adult Psychoanalyst. 

The core belief of psychoanalysis is that much of human emotional suffering happens outside of our conscious awareness. We often don’t really know why we are so anxious, depressed, hostile or self sabotaging. Often the reasons and answers to these questions lurk  below the surface of our awareness -- what is called the unconscious or subconscious. I am trained to slowly, competently, bring these hidden issues to the surface, with the belief that if you and I can use both of our minds together we can make sense, tame and metabolize these hurtful issues. I have received extensive training in this process. 

I provide both short term treatment (Psychotherapy) and more intensive long term treatment (Psychoanalysis). My main objective is to reduce pain and increase the quality of life of my patients and I am flexible in finding a means to make that happen.

I have been in practice for over 20 years.

I also provide clinical supervision, I teach various aspects of psychoanalytic theory and practice, and I present papers nationally.