Welcome
I am a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, in full-time private practice, in both Chevy Chase, Maryland (Friendship Heights) on the border of Washington, DC, and in Middleburg, Virginia. I provide psychological evaluation, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. My orientation is developmental-psychodynamic. This means I think in terms of helping people grow, understanding why they have their current struggles and helping them to recognize and use their strengths to overcome their difficulties. I enjoy working with people through the life span. On any given day, I see middle schoolers, teenagers, college students, adults of all ages and senior citizens. My patients come from all walks of life and from a diverse array of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
I have expertise in anxiety, school-life balance, work-life balance, relationships, improving self-esteem, overcoming shyness, sexuality as well as other difficulties. In addition, I have two areas of special interest: First, I help anxious adolescents feel comfortable in their own skin. I recognize that parents are the most important people in their teens lives (even if their behavior suggests, otherwise). I know that parents can play a valuable role in the therapy process. When helpful, I collaborate with colleagues to make use of parental knowledge and insight. Second, I am very interested in the body-mind connection. For decades, I’ve developed this interest in tandem with my psychological and psychoanalytic skills. If this interests you, feel free to ask me about it.
About Me
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Since 2005, I’ve been in full-time, private practice, working with people from middle school through late life. In 2012, I was invited to teach a course on psychoanalytic technique as well as a course on psychoanalytic evaluation at the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute. In 2015, I was asked to Co-Chair the Psychoanalytic Fellowship. In this role, I teach licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors and others about psychoanalysis. I greatly enjoy this work. Also, I provide clinical supervision to less experienced colleagues and clinical psychology graduate students.
I completed psychoanalytic training in 2010 and earned my doctorate 2004. Along the path to becoming a psychologist and psychoanalyst, I have, simultaneously, pursued training in an integrative approach to the mind/body connection. When appropriate, I integrate this knowledge in a meaningful way with psychotherapy. I also often collaborate with other health professionals such as nutritionists and physicians. If you think that I could be helpful, to you or your teen, or if you you would like to learn more about my approach, I welcome your call: (202) 270-2370.