About My Practice

I have a general practice treating individuals and couples struggling with some aspect of living. This can manifest as emotional regulation issues (anxiety, depression, anger, stress), problematic relationship dynamics, sexual distress and dysfunction, or self-defeating behavior patterns.

The first step in therapy is finding out what the problem is. The next step is figuring out what to do about it. This step includes some assessment of the strengths of the individual or couple that can be drawn on to do the work.

I provide a focused treatment with a practical and collaborative approach that allows for using whatever interventions work, regardless of the theoretical school or treatment model from which they may come. Though trained as a psychoanalyst, I primarily use tools from Neuroplasticity research, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Positive Psychology, Coaching, and Psychodynamic therapies.

My focus is NOT on mental illness. My focus IS on what someone wants to achieve in life and how to help them get there. This involves building on their strengths not dwelling on their perceived limitations.

Specialties

• Self-esteem issues
• Depression
• Anxiety and panic
• Relationship issues
• Sexual distress and dysfunction
• Self-defeating behavior (subject of my dissertation research)
• Parenting
• Loss and grief
• Life transitions

Treatment Approaches

• Neuroplasticity Tools
• Life Coaching
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
• Psychodynamic

Experience

Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience doing therapy, supervising therapy, and teaching therapy. I possess depth and breadth of training to draw on for evaluating optimal treatment approaches depending on the problem, the strengths of the individual or couple, and the goals for therapy. I am experienced in multiple models of psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavior therapy, brief therapy, sex therapy, and crisis intervention. This range of experiences gives me many tools to conduct effective therapy.

Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF and three-time recipient of the UCSF Annual Teaching Excellence Award for courses on Advanced Psychotherapy taught to third-year psychiatry residents.

Co-founder (with Edward Budworth of A.C.T.) of the popular post-performance discussion program, Theater on the Couch, at American Conservatory Theater. I present analysis of the characters and themes of the plays and engage the audience in lively discussions.

Years in Practice

Education

• San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis - Graduated as a Psychoanalyst
  
• UCSF, SF General Hospital - Completed a Dual Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Brief Psychodynamic Thearapies
  
• California School of Professional Psychology - Received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
  

Gender

Prescribe Medications

Accepting New Clients

Insurance Accepted

Sliding Scale?

Services Provided

Age Specialties

Languages

License Number

License State