My Practice Philosophy

Becoming who you are today is a complex process shaped by a myriad of factors, including life events, childhood experiences and genetic predispositions. A psychiatric evaluation should be more than simply selecting a diagnosis to describe the symptoms that are troubling you. A psychiatric evaluation should help you understand the many biological, psychological and environmental factors that have combined to produce your symptoms. When we are struggling with feeling lost or in pain, it is useful to understand where we are and how we got there so we may use that knowledge to find our way to a better place.

The first one or two sessions in my office are an opportunity for you to tell your story and for me to ask questions about your development, family history, medical history, and any prior mental health treatment experiences. By the end of the evaluation, we will both have a fairly good idea of what the problems are, and we will begin to discuss the plan for your treatment.

I will describe the best treatment options for your situation, including effective forms of psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes and self-help groups. My recommendations are based on current scientific research and the accumulated experience of over 20 years in practice. Together we will sort through your options and decide on the best treatment approach for you. We will periodically revisit the treatment planning process and adjust your treatment as needed.

I specialize in psychodynamic psychotherapy and existential therapy, and also incorporate concepts from cognitive-behavior therapy, DBT skills training (a treatment that improves distress tolerance, mood regulation and interpersonal effectiveness), patient education and supportive therapy. If I think the best treatment approach for you involves a type of therapy I do not provide, I will refer you to an expert in that technique. When possible, I prefer to provide both the medication (if needed) and the psychotherapy.

In addition to providing careful diagnostic assessments and ongoing treatment, I offer second-opinion consultations to patients and their providers, and ethics consultations for health care providers and agencies. I treat adults with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, unresolved grief, difficulty adapting to a medical disorder in oneself or a loved one, problems in relationships, and striving to find a more authentic sense of self.