My Approach

Through my education at UCLA, research outcomes forms the clinical backbone of my practice, which is why I have an eclectic approach to helping. This simply means I don't strictly adhere to one way of working. Each person’s struggle is different and so I utilize a range of approaches, including psychoanalytic, cognitive & dialectic behavioral, existential, feminist, and relational therapies, as well as mindfulness and EMDR. The reason for this is not fanciful; it's practical.

For instance, we know that cognitive behavioral therapy can show effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, anger and trauma with standardized protocols; dialectic behavioral therapy is indicated for maintaining emotional regulation, and treating self-harm and suicidal ideation; mindfulness shows efficacy for stress reduction and anxiety as well as substance abuse; and EMDR shows evidence that it works for PTSD, trauma related disorders, depression, and anxiety and shows some evidence of efficacy with addiction treatment. That's the science: some forms of therapy show more efficacy than others for particular symptoms.

As for the immeasurable: There are other factors at play which contribute just as much, if not more, to getting better.

My Role

​I am a social worker and I approach the work through a critical lens that acknowledges and confronts systems of symbolic and physical violence and oppression using critical race, LGBT-Affirmative and feminist frameworks. The fact is this: everyone is embedded in at least one culture and everyone benefits or is harmed by this culture. The dominant discourses in the culture want you to believe that all that is happening to you is because of your choices. We know this is not true. I consider my work to be rooted in the intellectual ancestry that runs from Freud (Anna) to Melanie Klein to Karen Horney. I look to these women because I’m a white male who knows I cannot see all the ways in which my perceived statuses have helped me. I’m committed to social justice and my very small role as a political actor whose activism includes assisting clients in accessing their empowerment; or, in some cases, building awareness and sensitivity around their privileged statuses.

Working With You

There is an alliance with your therapist

The alliance is not only the treatment goals and rationales for the treatment approach, but also the bond between client and therapist.

A therapist demonstrates empathy and care for you

You should feel that your therapist holds you with unconditional positive regard.

The therapist creates a healing environment

Care and attention to tone, space, and the individual are paramount to a environment which promotes healing.