Therapists in 94119

To put it simply, I help people with relationship troubles, be they with significant others, children, siblings, parents, employees, employers or with one's self. I was trained first as a Marriage & Family Therapist and later as a Psychoanalyst. Both inform my approach to the work, focusing on the complex landscape of relationships within oneself and with others. Both recognize and inform the special role of the therapeutic relationship in the work of healing. My extensive studies have been personalized and humanized by over 30 years of clinical experience with the people I work with.

I currently work with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. The issues I deal with include depression and dysthymia, panic attacks, stress, generalized anxiety disorder, gender identity disorder, obsessions and compulsions, childhood sexual trauma, childhood physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication conflict, commitment, intimacy, sexual difficulties, insecurity, trust, infidelity and social phobia.

I am an experienced psychotherapist with offices in both San Francisco and Berkeley. I provide therapy for adults and adolescents as my primary focus. I meet with individuals, couples, and families to help them overcome areas of emotional and relational difficulties. I have an active, open way of working and am curious, engaged, honest, and direct. I take people's need for change very seriously, and am an advocate for finding ways to help people live with greater depth, satisfaction, and choice. While this can involve diligence, resilience, and perseverance, play and creativity are also integral in the process.

It's not always easy to be a person. My job as a therapist is helping you figure out what works for you. I'm particularly good with clients who feel they don't fit the mold of societal expectations. I enjoy working with people who may be cautious about psychotherapy. My areas of expertise include relationship issues; depression and anxiety; chronic illness and disability; the impact of illness on couples and families.

I believe that the most important trait that leads to a successful outcome is motivation to learn about oneself. This is the essence of desire- or willingness- to change. I am trained as a psycho-analyst, and try to apply the essential understanding of people that psycho-analytic theory and practice, even when- as is usually the case- the psycho-analtyic method is not indicated, for reasons of time, money, and/or practicality. I work with all kinds of people, but feel that the common denominator is a strong motivation to examine oneself honestly and forthrightly, and to interact emotionally.