How does all of "this" work?
Good question! I recommend setting-up an initial consultation consisting of several sessions. Through this process, I can begin to get to know you and try to understand what brings you to treatment, we can discuss other important matters like fees and arrangements, and you can get a feel for how I work and if a psychoanalytic approach might be helpful for you.
What is a psychoanalytic approach?
It's an approach to treatment that takes into account the depth and complexity of being human. We can spend a lot of time at the surface, going about our lives, but psychoanalytic treatment allows an opportunity to explore questions and experiences more fully than short-term or solution-focused efforts. That's not to say those efforts don't have their place or aren't effective for many people. Nor is to say that psychoanalysis is about dredging up wounds of the past or wandering aimlessly in the present. Rather, it's a deliberate and creative approach that respects what's happening in the here and now and seeks to add insight, compassion, and capacity for growth.
Do you take insurance? Why, or why not?
I am waiting for final approval from Johns Hopkins Healthcare to participate as an in-network provider for their Employee Health Plan. I am out of network with other insurance providers. Working with insurance companies has its risks and benefits, and I seek to find a balance.
Do you offer teletherapy?
I offer teletherapy but find that working in-person is generally the most helpful.
What's the age range of your patients?
I work with young and emerging adults, adults in middle age, adults nearing retirement, and older adults.
What's your stance on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
I reflect these principles in my practice and work with people with whom I share similarities and difference. I work with patients and collegaues who idenitfy as 2SLGBTQIA+. I work with first and second generation immigrants to the United States. I work with people from many different faith traditions, religious identities, philosophical interests, and spiritual practices, as well as with people who identify as agnostic and atheist. I see people with limited financial resources and with wealth and privilege. And I see people exploring altogether the experience of being human.
What kind of training or experience do you have?
I am a professional counselor, licensed by the State of Maryland. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I worked in non-profit and healthcare sectors. For six years, I served as an associate pastor, primarly focused on work with teens and on pastoral care. Following advanced clinical training at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and with Johns Hopkins Hospital, I worked as part of an interdisciplinary team in palliative and hospice care. For nine years, I visited patients and families at home, in the midst of patients' final days, weeks, and months. I provided bereavement support for losses, ones foreseen and others, complex. In addition to my masters degree in counseling, I have post-graduate training and experience in psychoanalytic theory and practice. I am an advanced candidate of the Washington Baltimore Psychoanalytic Institute. I am also an ordained minister with a masters of divinity degree. I have been in private practice for ten years.
What some of your professional interests?
Good question! I recommend setting-up an initial consultation consisting of several sessions. Through this process, I can begin to get to know you and try to understand what brings you to treatment, we can discuss other important matters like fees and arrangements, and you can get a feel for how I work and if a psychoanalytic approach might be helpful for you.
What is a psychoanalytic approach?
It's an approach to treatment that takes into account the depth and complexity of being human. We can spend a lot of time at the surface, going about our lives, but psychoanalytic treatment allows an opportunity to explore questions and experiences more fully than short-term or solution-focused efforts. That's not to say those efforts don't have their place or aren't effective for many people. Nor is to say that psychoanalysis is about dredging up wounds of the past or wandering aimlessly in the present. Rather, it's a deliberate and creative approach that respects what's happening in the here and now and seeks to add insight, compassion, and capacity for growth.
Do you take insurance? Why, or why not?
I am waiting for final approval from Johns Hopkins Healthcare to participate as an in-network provider for their Employee Health Plan. I am out of network with other insurance providers. Working with insurance companies has its risks and benefits, and I seek to find a balance.
Do you offer teletherapy?
I offer teletherapy but find that working in-person is generally the most helpful.
What's the age range of your patients?
I work with young and emerging adults, adults in middle age, adults nearing retirement, and older adults.
What's your stance on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
I reflect these principles in my practice and work with people with whom I share similarities and difference. I work with patients and collegaues who idenitfy as 2SLGBTQIA+. I work with first and second generation immigrants to the United States. I work with people from many different faith traditions, religious identities, philosophical interests, and spiritual practices, as well as with people who identify as agnostic and atheist. I see people with limited financial resources and with wealth and privilege. And I see people exploring altogether the experience of being human.
What kind of training or experience do you have?
I am a professional counselor, licensed by the State of Maryland. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I worked in non-profit and healthcare sectors. For six years, I served as an associate pastor, primarly focused on work with teens and on pastoral care. Following advanced clinical training at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and with Johns Hopkins Hospital, I worked as part of an interdisciplinary team in palliative and hospice care. For nine years, I visited patients and families at home, in the midst of patients' final days, weeks, and months. I provided bereavement support for losses, ones foreseen and others, complex. In addition to my masters degree in counseling, I have post-graduate training and experience in psychoanalytic theory and practice. I am an advanced candidate of the Washington Baltimore Psychoanalytic Institute. I am also an ordained minister with a masters of divinity degree. I have been in private practice for ten years.
What some of your professional interests?
- I have worked with survivors of sexual violence and their allies in closed religious communities, including in partnership with conservative Mennonites in Western Maryland.
- For over twenty years, I have worked with people diagnosed with cancer, with active disease and in remission. I have presented to patients, families and staff affiliated with the Ullman Foundation (Baltimore), Hope Connections (Bethesda), the Smith Center for Healing & Arts (Washington, DC) and Innova (Fairfax).
- I have advanced clinical training in helping people transition to and maintain active recovery from substance use. While working with substance use disorders isn't my primary focus and I refer patients who need specialized care, I do have expertise to offer as people may use subtances to try to cope with other underlying difficulties in their lives.
- I am a writer and have served as faculty for the program, New Directions: Writing with a Psychoanalytic Edge.