Many people are struggling to understand who they are and who they want to be. The process of pushing down feelings and dealing with endless anxiety can be exhausting and detrimental to one’s mental and physical health. As a therapist I want to help others understand that who they think they are is not who they actually are. I want to help people find relief from self-attack and self-neglect.

I love to work with adults who seek to heal and grow through, among other things:
- anxiety
- depression
- relational issues
- trauma
- lack of fulfillment in professional life
I draw on a variety of theories and methods in my work. Fundamental to these theories is the noticing of anxieties and protective mechanisms that get in the way of our emotions and what we truly want for ourselves. Noticing and regulating anxiety is central to this process. Anything from muscle tension to jittery limbs, to headaches and stomach issues can come from anxiety. I help others recognize their anxieties and defenses and provide them with the tools to gain control and establish healthy boundaries, instead of solely letting the unconscious continue to steer the ship.
Because anxiety and defenses contribute to many different types of problems, I work with a variety of populations within the young adult and adult age range. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relational issues, and trauma. My primary modalities include Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
In 2009 I received a Master’s degree in writing. Over the next thirteen years I taught as a university professor of English and writing. I recently received a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Mason University.
I am a published author and I enjoy writing stories and novels. I also like to play guitar, hang out with my wife and cat, and ride my bike along the many trails in Arlington and DC. Sitting outside and sinking into a good psychological mystery is also a great use of my time!