About Me

I have been licensed as a Psychotherapist since 2009 and have been training since 2003.  I have maintained a daily practice of yoga, dance and other forms of mindful movement since 1997.  I have practiced mindfulness meditation on an almost daily basis since 2000.  Most of my meditation training has been in the Buddhist Insight Vipassana tradition.  I have done many silent, intensive meditation retreats, totaling well over a year of cumulative time.  Thus I can offer you the psychological sophistication of a trained professional and the experiential knowledge of a devoted practitioner of mindfulness.

My informal education has occurred in many ways, notably through time spent in other cultures.  I spent three years living, studying, and working in Varanasi, India. I have spent about two years living in Portugal and Brazil, and am conversant in Portuguese.  I have also traveled widely in Asia and Europe. These experiences have helped sensitize me to culture’s formative role in our self-concepts, emotions, values, assumptions, and communication styles.  I always consider the influence of one’s culture and try to be conscious of my cultural bias in working with clients.

Last but certainly not least, I like to laugh and enjoy life.  Therapy and introspection can be complex and weighty. It’s a place to explore our deepest regrets and sorrows.  It is essential to bring lightness and humor into the work when appropriate.  Being able to laugh about our habits and stuck places helps to energize our work together and keeps us oriented to cultivating greater joy in life.  As Suzuki Roshi said, “What we are doing here is so important, we better not take it too seriously.” 

I have been strongly influenced by mindfulness-based approaches to working with most presenting problems, especially stress reduction, anxiety, and addictions. The mindfulness approach parallels Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Somatic Therapy, so I integrate interventions from these modalities when appropriate. I also use the somatically based Hakomi Method, which emphasizes mindfulness of emotions and body and encourages the client to listen internally for information as it arises from within.

My Master’s level education and internships were firmly rooted in Psychodynamic therapy, which uses the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client to reveal relational styles and promote growth in the client. More recently, I have been influenced by Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I draw upon all of these psychological modalities to develop an eclectic mix that is different for every client, depending on his or her needs and interests.

Most importantly, my therapeutic work is rooted in curiosity and love. I love people, I love helping others, and I love my work. I will show up for you with a clear mind and open heart.