Licensed Psychologist
My therapy style
I am an engaged and genuine therapist. My patients tell me that they appreciate my investment in understanding their unique experiences and pain, as well as my perspective in helping them find solutions. In the therapy space, I am emotionally present and attentive, allowing myself to climb into the window of your life to see your vantage point. I believe it is crucial to have a strong therapeutic relationship in which you can feel safe to speak freely about your concerns. You and I will work together to facilitate understanding about the problems you are facing. I help guide exploration of how your past is influencing your present, and what may be outside of your awareness that is steering your life's course. I also aim to faciltate an understanding of how your social identities influence your struggles as well as your strengths. By understanding these things, you can obtain more clarity to make better choices for yourself and your life. I primarily work from a psychoanalytic lens, which means that I listen for emotions and inner experiences that lie underneath what you say and have major implications for how you are living. I pay close attention to the relationship between us to shed light on how you relate to yourself and others, and how these ways of relating are constructive or destructive.
​
​
​
Education & training
I earned my doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. I also hold a master's degree in Counseling and bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. In addition to my doctoral internship and residency, I have trained at multiple clinical sites including Catholic University's Counseling Center, the Maryland Psychotherapy Clinic and Research Lab, and Sheppard Pratt's Center for Eating Disorders.
​
I am a licensed psychologist in Washington, DC (License PSY200001256). I am also a psychoanalytic candidate at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis.
professional background
In addition to my work as a therapist, I am involved in research on psychotherapy process and outcome, therapist training and supervision, and meaning in life. Although my heart is in providing psychotherapy, I am also passionate about research that investigates what makes therapy successful and how therapists can be more effective for their patients. I have published several book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented my research at international conferences. From my training and experience in clinical work, psychotherapy research, and psychoanalysis, I have learned that the most fundamental ingredient for growth and healing is an honest and trustworthy connection between patient and therapist.