Frequently Asked Questions about NYC Therapy

How will my first therapy session begin?

At first, I may ask questions so I can get to know you, your life, and your experiences. I'll welcome your questions as well. I'm not the type of therapist who won't say anything, nor will I give you questionnaires. It's best for you to be as open as you can, even if something is hard to talk about. The session is yours, and you can use it any way you want and talk about anything you want. I'll listen carefully to your thoughts and feelings and accept you for who and where you are.

How much should I reveal about myself in therapy?

For therapy to work best, it's important to be open about your thoughts, feelings, and what’s happening in your life. It can be hard to talk about certain things, but it will move the therapy process forward.

Therapy Can Sometimes Be Hard

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.

There are many approaches to therapy. What's yours?

While all therapeutic types offer some value, many overlap in their techniques and goals and are often re-packaged names for core therapeutic principles. While I am familiar with and draw upon aspects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, my main approach is a psychodynamic one called Intersubjective Self-Psychology (ISP), which addresses a person in their entirety. I find ISP to be superior for helping my patients achieve lasting change.

What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the psychological roots of suffering. Its foundations are self-reflection and self-examination, and the use of the relationship between therapist and individual as a way of understanding a person's life and inner world. Unlike other forms of therapy it addresses not only a person's symptoms but their entire self and underlying core psychological factors. This approach results in improved happiness, greater self-understanding, and lasting change. Click here for an overview diagram of the therapeutic process.

How is training for a Licensed Psychoanalyst different than a regular therapist?

Training to become a Licensed Psychoanalyst is more specialized and intensive than that of a regular therapist. It typically involves postgraduate study at a psychoanalytic institute, extensive coursework in psychoanalytic theory, and several years of supervised clinical work. A unique requirement is undergoing personal psychoanalysis of at least 450 hours, often multiple times a week, to deepen self-awareness and clinical insight. In contrast, regular therapists—such as LMHCs, LCSWs, or psychologists often focus on more structured, short-term methods, and their training generally takes less time and does not usually require personal therapy.

That is a lot of technical jargon! Are you a real person?

I am a real, with strengths and flaws, and have been through many highs and lows in my life. My hobbies include furnituremaking, renovation, craftwork, watching comedy series (Steve Carell, Larry David, Seinfeld, Fleabag), and indie films.

How long will it take for me to feel better?

Every person and situation is different. Some people feel better quickly while others choose to stay in therapy longer, either because they face greater challenges or because they want to increase their strengths and capabilities.

It's my first time seeking therapy and I'm nervous!

It's normal to be apprehensive or nervous when seeing a therapist for the first time, but you'll see that it's just you and I talking and looking at ways to understand and improve your situation and ease your struggles. As we get to know each other our sessions will become more comfortable and familiar.

Does therapy mean delving into my past?

Sometimes. Our past experiences make us who we are today. So in a sense, when we work on ourselves we are always taking into account the past. As the novelist William Faulkner wrote, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." But understanding the effects of our past is only part of the process. The other is for you to build new strengths and move into a new space of possibilities for your present and future. Therapy helps you live the life you hope for, a life more vital and joyful, to be the person you want to be.

What is your fee?

My fee changes occasionally, so please contact me to discuss. I offer a sliding scale for those who need it.

Do you take insurance?

I do not accept insurance, but your health insurance may reimburse you for therapy expenses. Please see my insurance information page here.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Zelle (a payment app offered by most major banks) is my preferred payment method.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes, I offer virtual sessions as well as in-person sessions at 40 West 13th Street in Manhattan.