I have specific training in delivering evidence-based treatments for mood disorders (e.g. depression), anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders, and in facilitating stress management. Additional areas of specialization include: eating disorders, and sexual functioning and relationship issues. I provide treatment to adults (ages 18 and up).

Depression and Anxiety

Life is hard, and some would argue that the psychological challenges characterizing our present moment are greater than ever. Not surprisingly perhaps, many people experience feelings of depression and anxiety over the course of their lifetime.  Whether these feelings emerge as seemingly transient responses to specific life events, or have a more general, enduring, and disruptive quality, psychotherapy can help with symptom-reduction and place you on a path to improved quality of life and functioning.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complicated and often poorly understood, making it challenging to talk about the behaviors or seek assistance. Disordered eating typically emerges as an effort to cope with some difficulty or stressor, can be highly reinforcing, and seems to take on a life of its own, which is why it can be so difficult to manage independently. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, or are experiencing worrisome behaviors, psychotherapy can help. In addition to my practice, I was previously an Attending Psychologist in the UCLA Eating Disorders Program. 

Trauma

Trauma can be defined as a psychological response to an event or an experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. The types of events that may be associated with a trauma response are varied, and may include single episode events (an assault, a natural disaster, an accident), or events that have accumulated over time (bullying, abuse, neglect). Some people experience multiple traumas. In my practice I implement evidenced based treatments such as Cognitive-Processing Therapy (CPT) and I use elements of the Trauma Resiliency Model to assist in the recovery from PTSD and trauma-related stress.

Human Sexuality and Relationships

Humans are inherently relational and sexual beings. At the same time, we experience and express intimacy in our own, unique ways. Negotiating communication, relationship, and sexual issues can be complex and daunting. Psychotherapy can enhance communication generally, and also help with learning specific skills to remedy relationship and sexual dysfunction.

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are characterized by rigid patterns in thinking and behavior that typically emerge in early adulthood and create difficulties across multiple areas of a person’s life. Sometimes people are unaware that these challenging patterns are within their purview to change because they seem so natural and familiar. Psychotherapy can be helpful in identifying these patterns, their origins, and in learning new ways of relating to your experiences and environment.