I initiated my private practice in 1998, and I see adults with a wide range of concerns in long-term psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, as well as adolescents and children with various behavioral and developmental difficulties.  I trained in New York as a psychologist and then as an adult and child psychoanalyst and I am on the faculty of the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.  I help people dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship and self-esteem issues, professional and parenting challenges.

I have a postdoctoral fellowship from Yale University Psychiatric Institute where I served as a primary clinician working with adolescents and their parents. I also did an extremely intensive six-year training to become both an adult and child psychoanalyst. This is the most advanced form of education in the mental health field. 

Clients frequently find working together multiple times a week leverages maximum change and is therefore most gratifying. However, no matter what the frequency or type of treatment, I will always have a profoundly helpful perspective to offer you.

I also have extensive clinical expertise working with selectively mute children, working with children on the autism spectrum using the DIR/Floor Time Model, and working with children who have attachment difficulties.  I trained at Yeshiva University with Dr. Beatrice Beebe, an internationally preeminent researcher and therapist in mother/infant treatment. 

I provide consultation to preschools and elementary schools regarding children who are struggling socially or academically, and I support preschool directors to enhance their school’s functioning. Additionally, I supervise therapists and psychology graduate students.

I have completed research on infant and child mental health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the Barnard College Toddler Center, and Greater Vancouver Mental Health Services. I have also presented my research and clinical casework at international and national conferences in France, Costa Rica, South Africa, Washington, D.C., Washington State, and Florida.

Education

Adult and Child Psychoanalyst, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis

Postdoctoral fellowship, Yale Psychiatric Institute

Internship, West Haven Veterans Administration

Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Yeshiva University 

B.A., Barnard College, Columbia University

Professional Affiliations

William Alison White Institute (WAW): Faculty New York

San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis (SFCP): Faculty

San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis (SFCP): Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Training Program Co-Chair

Wright Institute Collaborative Supervisor

The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL)

Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP)

International Psychoanalytical Studies Organization (IPSO)

American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)

When should I pursue therapy?
It is important to pursue therapy if you are having difficulty managing your emotions, feel unable to maximize your potential, have difficulties at work or with intimate relationships, or feel excessive anxiety, sadness, anger, or fear. Psychotherapy is also useful if you find it challenging to understand or deal with past events and their impact on your life, have issues related to eating or sleeping, or feel a continuing sense of dissatisfaction with your life.
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When should I pursue therapy for my child?
Pursue therapy for your child if he/she is not meeting developmental milestones, seems unusually sad, withdrawn, or angry, is frequently overreacting, anxious, or scared. It’s also important to consider therapy when your child has ongoing separation anxiety, has difficulty making friends or succeeding in school, experiences problems with eating, sleeping, or toilet training, has recurrent temper tantrums, exhibits major behavioral changes, or has difficulties with learning, attention and focus.
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How do you approach working with children?
Every treatment plan is tailored to meet the needs of each child and family. Initially, I meet with parents to obtain a history and determine the issues their child is experiencing. I might also meet with the child and parents together, and sometimes I do school or home visits to develop a full assessment and treatment plan. During the initial stage of treatment, I often meet with parents weekly and the child weekly; as treatment progresses, I usually meet with parents once or twice a month and with the child once or twice a week.
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I create a safe space for the child or adolescent to play or use words to express their worries so we can explore and understand their concerns. Using a relational approach means that change primarily takes place through the child and parents’ relationship with the psychologist.
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How do you approach working with parents?
As the parent of two children, I understand the deep joys and formidable challenges children can present. I am passionate about helping parents understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of their children, as well as their own patterns of behavior. Play is a window into the child’s world and an expression of their inner selves; thus, I also help parents learn new, attuned ways of playing with their children that allow more profound and meaningful connections to occur.
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Together, we examine the specific details regarding what occurs at home between the child and the parent, work to understand the triggers for events, and strategize new ways to avoid or resolve difficult interactions and behavior. I am wholeheartedly committed to helping parents develop a greater understanding of themselves and their children, and thereby improving their connection with each other.

Do you take insurance and how much do you charge?
I do not participate on any insurance panels. However, I can provide you with a monthly statement to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. I charge for the initial meeting and payment is due at the time of service. Please feel free to give me a call to inquire about my fee.