Psychoanalytic

Nearly 10 years of clinical experience using Object Relations Psychotherapy.

I work psychoanalytically with patients in order to more deeply explore and understand their internal world. Together we can create language for hidden, blocked, 'unthinkable' thoughts; name and reflect on unconscious conflicts; work through dreams; and build resilience.

In order to heal, you have to truly get to know yourself. Psychoanalytic therapy helps you understand yourself on a more intimate level. By exploring past experiences and relationships, in addition to what is going on for you in the here and now, we can gain greater access to all that is you. This kind of therapy expands your consciousness and opens up worlds of possibility. You will start to connect the dots between past and present, which can be both revelatory and liberating.

The Psychoanalytic model is client-centered and focuses on the past experiences of each client. Past experiences often impact current life situations which can hinder productive growth in the here and now. Past experiences such as childhood trauma or family life cycles are addressed to identify behavioral patterns that require change in the clients life.

I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist and a Clinical Fellow of the Neuropsychoanalysis Association.

I am trained in Freudian drive theory and psychosexual development, ego psychology, object-relational theory, and relational theory.

I worked at Valley Community Counseling Clinic, which provided extensive clinical guidance in classical and contemporary psychoanalytic theory and therapy techniques. At the Los Angeles Institute and Society of Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS) I completed the Altered States of Body and Mind program, examining eating disorders, addictions and compulsions through a contemporary psychoanalytic lens.

I see my role as a collaborator and supporter as you navigate a deeper understanding of yourself in a non-judgmental and affirming environment. I approach therapy from a relational and trauma-informed lens and believe in providing a space where you can feel seen, heard, and met where you are. At the core of all of this, my focus is always on building an authentic, trusting, and empathetic therapeutic relationship through which we can explore, learn, heal, and grow.

I am trained in Modern Analysis. I will help you put words to your thoughts, feelings and urges.

Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on uncovering unconscious patterns and unresolved conflicts from past experiences that influence present behavior and emotions. By bringing these to awareness, clients gain deeper insight into their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to break free from unhealthy patterns. This approach fosters personal growth and emotional healing by addressing the root causes of current struggles, ultimately leading to greater self-understanding and lasting change.

I call myself a psychoanalytic therapist because this kind of therapy draws on the entire lineage of psychology theory but has well adapted to the issues and concerns of our times. Contemporary psychoanalytic scholars and clinicians are actively engaged with issues of race, gender, social and political inequality, and substance use. This approach is less focused on quick-fixes and more focused on lasting change and overall wellbeing. However, solutions arise naturally in the process.

Psychoanalysis gives us the chance to assess and process through the events in our lives the shape the way we look at the world, specifically events that have happened during our childhood and adolescent years. It takes time to unravel the yarn, but as we peel away the layers, we begin to get a better understanding of how strengths, our weaknesses and our defense mechanisms. Doing this provides the opportunity to change the way we show up and will have immediate effects on our personal lives.

I am trained in psychodynamic (also called psychoanalytic) approaches, which focus on deep listening to help you understand what is really going on behind your symptoms. Psychoanalytic therapy is one of the longest-enduring forms of therapy and its effectiveness has been empirically verified.

With extensive post-graduate training in psychoanalysis, I specialize in deep, insight-driven therapy that goes beyond symptom management. Psychoanalysis is an investment in lasting transformation—helping you uncover unconscious patterns, heal at the root, and create real change. If you feel stuck despite past therapy, this approach offers the depth needed for true self-discovery and emotional freedom.

We approach therapy through a contemporary psychoanalytic lens to understand what is being communicated through one's behaviors and understand how past experiences are influencing current relationships. As we form our relationships we have found that individuals develop deeper insight, aiding with a deeper understanding of themselves, and experiencing more lasting and sustainable relief.

This approach explore how the unconscious mind influences your thoughts, behaviors and feelings. I believe Anxiety and depressive symptoms are manifestations of deeper challenges that we will uncover together.

Psychoanalysis has so many confusing definitions which are worsened by how unethical therapy often depicted. Psychoanalytic therapy, for me, looks at what we are aware of and digs deeper to see what you might not be aware is there, but is affecting us negatively (ex: internalized transphobia, ableism, social or family messages of our values and worth as humans). In therapy I do ask about our pasts and how they are still currently affecting us and, sometimes, how that can be harmful to our health