What I Do
I work with adults and young adults starting at age 16. My office is in New Haven, CT.
Common issues I treat include:
- Relationship difficulties
- Low self-esteem
- Problems with assertiveness
- Uncertainty about identity
- Trouble choosing a path in life
- Work difficulties including writer’s block, stress in work relationships, & performance anxiety
Frequent symptoms include:
- Depression & anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Problems concentrating
- Physical complaints without a clear medical explanation
- Feelings of physical inadequacy
Deciding to begin therapy can be a difficult step. I often see patients who have had previous therapies that did not seem to go far enough or who have reached an impasse in a recent therapy.
Some people seek help at a time of crisis or a major life transition. Others come with longstanding or recurrent problems. The emotional pain people feel often occurs for reasons medicines and popular remedies do not adequately treat. For some people, psychotherapy is even more effective than medication therapy. In others, psychotherapy plus medication makes the biggest difference.
In psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, I work with my patients to help them overcome obstacles and regain emotional equilibrium. Whether practicing insight-oriented psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, I look for ways that I can help people sort out the reasons for their problems. My medical background also helps me to be aware of the interplay between physical and psychological symptoms. I help my patients to decide on whether psychotherapy will help and whether medications may also make a difference.
I have several areas of special interest and expertise:
- Psychological aspects of living with medical illnesses and disabilities
- Physical symptoms that can result from psychological problems
- Parenting
- Sexual problems
- Performance anxiety
- Problems with intimacy or marital conflict
- Work difficulties
- Traumas, including traumatic loss