Therapy Training & Clinical Experience
My Background
My post-graduate studies in mental health include a Master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University, and a PhD in Psychology and Trauma Studies from Union Institute and University. In addition, I have undergone clinical and experiential training as a therapist in a wide range of conventional and alternative psychotherapeutic methodologies, including Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Gestalt, and EMDR.
Prior to engaging in full-time private practice over the past 15 years, I worked as a psychotherapist and psychologist in clinics and hospitals both here in NYC and in California. As a consultant, I also provide assessment and referral services for a number of large Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and have conducted workshops and led short-term groups on: Understanding and Overcoming Trauma and PTSD; The Promises and Pitfalls of Romantic Relationships; and Navigating Life as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
Before embarking on my career as a therapist, I worked overseas as a journalist and worked here in Manhattan as a copy editor, fact-checker, and proofreader for various magazines, including Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Cosmopolitan.
Alongside my private practice as a therapist, I am an avid creative writer as well as a proud father of two wonderful children.
My Psychotherapy Practice Philosophy
My guiding philosophy as a therapist is to assist you, as my client, in achieving your desired goals for our work together, whether it be overcoming symptoms of depression and/or anxiety; improving personal and professional relationships; gaining clarity and courage to pursue fulfilling creative and/or professional aspirations; breaking free of a constricting or abusive relationship; or healing wounds or unresolved conflicts from the past.
manhattan-trauma-therapistWhile I take great satisfaction in helping my clients overcome a wide range of symptoms, addictions, and self-defeating behaviors, I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are motivated to grow psychologically and emotionally beyond mere symptom relief, and working with individuals in combined individual and group psychotherapy.
As mentioned earlier, for those seeking enhanced intimacy and interpersonal effectiveness, as well as for those who feel stuck and stagnant in their individual psychotherapy, such combined treatment offers individuals the greatest bang for their therapeutic buck.
My therapy style blends guidance, support, insight, and constructive confrontation in the service of you, as my client, achieving your stated therapy goals.
All else being equal, the clearer you are on your goals in therapy, the more receptive you are to understanding yourself more fully, and perhaps most importantly, the more willing you are to change “bad” habits and step out of your comfort zone in the interest of growth and change, the more effective I can be in assisting your healing and growth.