I am a New York State Licensed Psychoanalyst and Psychotherapist. I completed a six-year post-doctoral program at the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis (NPAP) and the Theodor Reik Clinical Center in Manhattan. I've taught at Marymount Manhattan College, The University of Rhode Island, and St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn. I am relational and collaborative and I will listen carefully to your thoughts and feelings. Together, we'll find the true reasons and meaning that underly your suffering. Having a good "fit" with your therapist is critical and you should consult with several to see who you're most comfortable with.

I grew up on Long Island, New York, earned a BS from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a Master's from Stony Brook University, and a PhD from the University of Rhode Island. Earlier in my career I was involved in industrial and organizational psychology (I/O Psych)and consulted for many organizations including Chase, American Express, IBM, CIBC Capital Markets, UBS, The College Board, Kaplan TestPrep, and the NYC Department of Education. I developed the Critical Thinking Program for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York during the 2008 Financial Crisis to help employees think more effectively and make better decisions. I ultimately found that working with individuals was more interesting and satisfying and I transitioned into clinical work.

I am not the type of therapist who won't say anything, nor will I give you questionnaires. At first, I may ask a lot of questions so I can get to know you, your life, and your past experiences. I will welcome your questions as well — together we'll figure things out. It usually takes time a little time for you to feel comfortable. I am a stranger. What works best is for you to be as open as you can, even if something is hard to talk about. Your session time is YOURS, and you can use it any way you want and talk about anything you want. Sometimes I will gently guide you. I will listen carefully to your thoughts and feelings and accept you for who and where you are. I will understand and know the way forward.

An important part of your working in therapy is being open about your thoughts, feelings, and what’s happening in your life. It can be hard to talk about certain things that feel shameful, but it's talking about these difficult feelings that can move the therapy process forward and improve your life.

Therapy can be difficult. Unpleasant thoughts and feelings may arise. Some sessions may feel lighter and casual while others can be more intense and full of feelings. Taking the risk to be uncomfortable is important, and this is a form of bravery that you can take pride in. Many people suffer in life precisely because they'd rather sweep such feelings under the rug than acknowledge them.

Because therapy is about your life and your entire self, sometimes there may be laughing, sometimes crying. Through the processing of your experiences, you'll find healing and growth with me as your guide.

I am human also. I have my strengths, weaknesses, and unique experiences in life. What differentiates me, a licensed psychoanalyst, from other therapists is that I am aware of how my subjectivity may impact the therapeutic process, and this is critical. I am sure you've heard stories about some therapists being very biased in their suggestions. In fact, many therapists aren't required during training to go through any personal therapy themselves. Yikes. On a lighter note, my hobbies include furnituremaking, renovation, craftwork, watching comedy series (Steve Carell, Larry David, Seinfeld, Fleabag), and indie films.

My licensure info: National Provider ID #1083351183, NYS License #001135.