Understanding one's identity and developing a strong self-concept is essential for overall mental health and well-being. It provides a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning in life. When individuals have a clear understanding of their identity and self-concept, they can make more informed decisions, engage in healthier relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience. By fostering self-awareness, individuals can live authentically and align their actions and goals with their core values and beliefs. In my practice, I focus on guiding individuals through the process of identity exploration, emphasizing the importance of understanding and cultivating self compassion. A strong part of my clinical focus include gender identity, sexuality, and cultural influences that shape your sense of self. By integrating a therapeutic approach that is compassionate and culturally sensitive, I guide patients in navigating their unique experiences and strengthen their sense of identity.

I believe that navigating the transition to adulthood can be challenging for anyone, but especially for millennials and Gen-Zers who are often facing unique pressures and demands. With the increase emphasis on technology and social media, there are more distractions and sources of stress than ever before. Additionally, the current economic and political climate presents new challenges, making it harder to secure stable jobs, housing, and a sense of financial security. On top of that, I think young adults are often faced with navigating major life decisions such as education, career choices, and relationships, while also trying to balance their personal and social lives.

I am particularly passionate about supporting millennials and Gen-zers in navigating the transition to adulthood. I understand the importance of examining past experiences and early childhood development as a way to better understand present behaviors and patterns. By fostering a deeper understanding of the unconscious mind and exploring how past experiences shape current beliefs and behaviors, I aim to help young people gain insight and self-awareness that can guide them through this important stage of life.

An Austrian psychotherapist once said “A misbehaving child is a misunderstood child”, (Alfred Adler). Child psychotherapy is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to address the unique needs and challenges of children. Therapy plays a crucial role in a child's development by providing them with the necessary tools and support to navigate their emotions, experiences, and relationships effectively. Through therapy, children learn valuable coping mechanisms that help them manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges, contributing to their emotional resilience and overall well-being. Therapy can also aid in the development of healthy communication skills, self-awareness, and empathy, which are essential components of their social and emotional growth. By addressing potential issues early on, therapy can positively influence a child's development and lay the foundation for a happier, more fulfilling life.

As a child psychotherapist, I specialize in working with children to help them develop a strong sense of self, improve their emotional regulation, and build resilience to cope with life’s challenges. I utilize various techniques such as play therapy, art therapy, and talk therapy to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Trauma can be understood as an overwhelming experience that exceeds an individual's psychological capacity to cope, resulting in a disruption of normal functioning and a sense of helplessness. Trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, accidents, natural disasters, and other adverse experiences. These events can lead to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms and defense mechanisms, which may cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, dissociation, and difficulties with trust and relationships.

I strive to create a safe and supportive space for patients to explore the impact of their experiences on their lives. Together, we work to understand how past trauma has shaped their beliefs, behaviors, and emotions, while recognizing that these experiences are not the entirety of who they are. By fostering self-awareness and integrating traumatic experiences into their personal narratives, patients can develop a greater sense of self-compassion and acceptance. This process empowers you to live more fully in the present and cultivate resilience, while acknowledging that the impact of trauma is an ongoing journey of healing and growth.

Depression can stem from unresolved conflicts, losses, or important events that an individual has experienced, often in early childhood. These experiences can lead to negative or distorted beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, resulting in feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy. Additionally, individuals may have internalized unhealthy relationship patterns or defense mechanisms, perpetuating negative self-perceptions and making it difficult to form meaningful connections with others. As a result, individuals with depression may struggle with a sense of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

In my work with patients experiencing depression, I strive to create a safe and supportive space for my patients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By understanding the unique experiences that have shaped their lives, patients can gain insight into the root causes of their depression and how it affects their sense of purpose and meaning in life.

I focus on creating a supportive space to explore one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences- no matter how “scary” or “bad”. We dive into existential questions and challenges to empower you to make choices that support your well-being and happiness.