By providing a window through which thoughts, feelings, and behavior can be more clearly viewed, psychotherapy can provide the perspective that is lacking when one is feeling stuck. Working with a psychologist one-on-one in individual therapy, in couples counseling, or in group or family treatment, new options may come into view, and along with this, the possibility for making different choices and creating lasting change.

My Approach

As a seasoned clinical psychologist, I bring more than 35 years of clinical experience, tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of my clients in Cambridge and the Boston area. I specialize in goal-focused work that involves active collaboration. I find this approach particularly well-suited to clients at inflection points, when solutions are needed, and change is critical.

Who I Help

This focus on change is helpful for:

• Parents coping with “failure-to-launch” adult children
• Executives and professionals managing stress and burnout
• Couples working to repair or strengthen relationships
• Individuals seeking moderation or support around alcohol use
• Families seeking intervention to help a loved-one struggling with substance abuse or medical illness
• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) healing from the painful experiences of growing up in alcoholic families

Principles Guiding My Work

Based on my experience working with clients, supervising psychologists new to the field, and writing about psychotherapy, I understand what it takes for growth to occur:

• Supportive Relationship: I listen carefully and strive to understand the world through the eyes of my clients, to help make sense of their painful experiences.
• Clear Focus: I help sharpen the focus of therapy, leading to faster progress and greater opportunity for change. (See articles in the posts section that address the many kinds of change facilitated by therapeutic work.)
• Understanding the Impact of the Past: I appreciate the historical importance of old patterns of behavior, understanding that recurring self-defeating patterns are often a replay of adaptations that were once effective. Until these behaviors are adequately addressed, they can undermine self-esteem and the ability to form close relationships.
• Building Resilience: I respect each individual’s unique ways of adapting and understand the importance of developing resilience-to-change in order to effectively cope with major life transitions. Without such resilience, life can feel overwhelming, self-esteem becomes precarious, and mood can dip dramatically.
• Overcoming Roadblocks: I help uncover and address the obstacles that have previously make growth difficult. When progress is stalled, we examine the past, including family-of-origin issues, that may be fueling the roadblock – with an ultimate goal of clearing the path to lasting change.

Why Work With Me

My decades of experience at McLean Hospital, in private practice, and teaching other therapists allow me to offer both insight and action-oriented strategies. If you are at crossroads in life and looking for a trusted therapist near you, I can provide tools to help you move forward.