About Me

If you are looking for a therapist, then I assume that you are struggling in one or more areas of your life. I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, a form of therapy that distinguishes itself through a focus on relationships. When we look at the feelings associated with depression or anxiety, we often find that there are conflicts in past or present relationships present. I use a combination of techniques that are tailored to the individual, which may include psychodynamic, cognitive and behavioral; but I start by working with you to create a warm, non-judgmental environment in which your personal concerns can be discussed in safety.

I have been formerly on staff in the Section of Geriatric Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, and I presently consult to the Department of Bariatric Surgery at Chestnut Hill Hospital. I have been invited to lecture on psychological topics to physicians and residents in primary care, specialist care, and in training settings. Talks I have given include at Grand Rounds at the University of Pennsylvania Health System section of Geriatric Psychiatry, the Jefferson University Hospital Pain Clinic, and the Chestnut Hill Family Practice Residency Program. I have also spoken both locally and nationally at various psychological conferences.

Some patients come to me with a history of emotional distress or what is sometimes called dysregulation. What this means is that their feelings as well as some of their important interpersonal relationships can seem out of control at times. Often, this kind of distress is associated with an early, or possibly a more recent traumatic event, or series of events. There are three psychotherapy approaches that are evidence-based and are best known to help people who struggle with these kinds of problems. These approaches are called Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Transference Focused Therapy and Mentalization Based Treatment. I have been trained or done work or research using all three approaches. Another, much studied, way of working with trauma is an approach known as EMDR. It was popularized by Dr. Francine Shapiro, but its origin as a powerful way to help people find their way through the confusion of trauma, goes all the way back to Josef Breuer and Sigmund Freud. Whatever way this technique is called, it is known for giving faster access to difficult emotions than the normal progress of talk therapies, but is usually done within the context of a broader psychotherapeutic relationship. I can discuss with you whether this method can be helpful for you.

I have been involved at the board level in professional organizations, including as Past-President of the Philadelphia Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology (PSPP); Member of the Board at the  Association for the Psychoanalysis of Culture and Society (APCS); and Executive Board member of Division 39 (Psychoanalysis), and Council Representative representing that Division to the American Psychological Association (APA).

I have completed advanced training in psychotherapy at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia, where I have served in faculty and committee assignments.