PRIVATE PRACTICE

From the inception of my consciousness I have been searching for absolute answers to ultimate questions (e.g.: who am I and what do I want? - what is the meaning of life and how can I find it?- how do I know I know?). Although I firmly believe there are no easy answers in resolving life's complex problems, at the same time I am dedicated towards to seeking the truth of the matter at hand. My method for seeking the truth is by challenging all first assumptions, relying on my personal experience as my criterion for accepting myself as my final authority.

I specialize in working with complicated people who tend to view their life as if it is a four dimensional chess game. Although they my new patients are often capable of complex understanding they often find themselves unable to make effective use of their extraordinary gifts. I work best with patients who suffer from seemingly intractable diminished self-esteem (identity issues) often expressed as the Hamlet problem: "To be or not to be" literally and figuratively. My therapeutic process is (a) providing and sustaining the just right atmosphere for inducing significant psychological change; and (b) helping a given patient to transform what initially is experienced as an intractable existential morass - into clearly stated psychological symptoms and problems (conflicts) potentially capable of resolution. For me, the key to success is in understanding the unique idiosyncratic process each patient brings into treatment. "Each analysis is tailor made to fit the individual needs of the patient." In this light my major role is that of a skilled psychological locksmith. Thus, It is my job - in collaboration with each patient - to identify the ‘closed lock’ of the session and with their aide find or create the just right key to open it.

I am militantly opposed to the ''quick fix mentality'' in our nation that would have us all believe that normal feelings like anxiety, depression, frustration, and stress are to be entirely suppressed or dismissed, rather than viewing them as normal and inevitable realistic universal life limitations. In this perspective so called ‘negative feelings’ (painful affects) have to be identified and coped with so that their their embedded ‘messages’ may be used used in the service of creative problem solving. I am passionate in my conviction that significant change is possible, but it takes persistent hard work and a willingness to struggle with struggle. In the words of Spinoza: “Anything worthwhile is as difficult as it is rare.” Further I believe the core problem for any person’s life whether they accept it or not is to assume responsibility for being one’s final authority.

I specialize in coping with anxiety, depression, frustration intolerance, couples’ counseling, stress management, self-esteem issues, college mental health, and elder issues. I also have expertise in anger management, autism spectrum disorder, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), spirituality, and substance abuse.