The central focus in my work is to help patients explore their unique life experience and to make sense of their difficulties  in a way which is  both deeply meaningful and healing.    Psychodynamic exploration helps to  clarify how the developmental events of early life -– psychological issues stemming from attachment  and separation, loss, neglect, or trauma -– are influencing problems in the present.   By understanding strengths and weaknesses in the light of the early experiences which have shaped them,  emotional distress is relieved and patients are empowered to make more effective choices.  

The psychodynamic approach works equally well with individuals and couples to highlight how subjective experiences are organized  and to help create more rewarding intimate relationships.  In my view,  it is the treatment of choice for many common psychological complaints including  anxiety and panic,  depression,  relationship issues, behavioral and chemical addictions,  and stress-related somatic problems.

In addition to psychotherapy, I provide case consultation, workshops, seminars, and groups  (see Services and What I Offer).

I have a special interest and expertise in working with individuals who practice Buddhist meditation and want a form of psychotherapy which honors this wisdom tradition.   I use a blended approach ("Contemplative Relational Psychotherapy") which weaves together Buddhist psychology and psychodynamic understanding.

For several decades I have been a practitioner of Buddhist mindfulness meditation (Vipassana).  The essence of this process is learning to be with one's mind from moment to moment.   Mindfulness practice engages calm attention and cultivates the capacity to accept experience as it is.  Mindful awareness makes it possible to see more clearly how the mind functions. 

At the same time, however, there are inevitably aspects of experience in meditation which remain opaque.  Deep, mindful inquiry in psychotherapy can illuminate dynamic patterns of reaction and defense which may otherwise not be noticed.  In addition, the responsive empathy of the therapist supports the ability to find new ways to relate to problematic aspects of experience.  Together, meditation and psychotherapy cultivate wise understanding and compassion.