I left a highly successful but deeply unfulfilling career in management consulting in my thirties to go back to graduate school to become a psychotherapist. Almost two decades later, I use my training and skills as a systems thinker, as well as my wisdom and expertise about relationships, in my therapeutic and organizational work with couples and colleagues. I’m passionate about revolutionizing relationships, one partnership at a time.

I work from a psychodynamic approach, but utilize an integrative framework of therapeutic interventions.  Some of the specific modalities that inform my work include:  Systems Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Self Psychology, Control Mastery Theory (CMT), Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT), Object Relations Theory, Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS).

My Approach

I work differently than many traditional therapists. My style is a blend of psychotherapy and coaching. You’ll gain insight, but you’ll also be given assignments and feedback. I am interested in your history, but more interested in how it’s currently in your way and what to actually do about it. Our work together is collaborative, and my style is curious and directive.

At times I can be challenging; it comes from a place of compassion, with the intent of helping you examine your blind spots. I always work with the goal of facilitating the most emotionally generous relationship between people, but I’m almost never wedded to a specific outcome (for example, stay together or break up).

I am willing to speak a hard truth and many of those don’t come in pretty packaging. The people who benefit most from working with me trust that I mean what I say from a place of regard, respect and courage, even if they don’t always love hearing it, because it will ultimately be helpful to them.

I spend a lot of time thinking about and trying to understand what’s happening consciously and unconsciously in your dynamic. I consult regularly with colleagues across specialties, read and stay abreast of new science and theories, prepare for your session, and work hard before, during, and after. I need you to be at least as committed as I am to helping you change something that isn’t working for you.

I only work with people who are willing to consider trying new things, including a new perspective. If you're wanting to come in to have your partner “fixed,” I am not the therapist for you. My job is to help you understand and undo the unconscious dynamic happening in your relationship, and each person has to be willing to examine and take responsibility for their part.

I received my Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) with a Clinical Social Work specialization from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas.