I strive to keep therapy grounded and focused on the present. While revisiting the past with clients, we do not dwell there. Staying fixated on unchangeable events fosters a victim’s mindset. Instead, we explore the past briefly to mourn losses, validate history, understand adaptations to past dysfunctions, and reframe the narrative cohesively.

Gaining insight makes us more articulate and clear-minded. This expanded consciousness allows for new decisions, avoiding repetitive patterns and transcending a fatalistic view of life.

My primary training is in psychodynamic therapy, under the supervision of esteemed psychoanalysts. However, I do not strictly adhere to psychoanalysis.

The therapeutic relationship is paramount, and theoretical knowledge must translate into practical application.

Clients often seek quick solutions. I refrain from assigning homework unless requested. When given, it involves reflecting on key themes from the session, fostering collaboration, manageability, ownership, and accountability.

I have extensive experience across diverse populations: children and families in Head Start programs, individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, and women in homeless shelters. Most notably, I spent seven years at Baruch College Counseling Center, one of the world’s most diverse campuses, reinforcing my commitment to human diversity, social justice, and dignity.

Currently, I focus on clients and colleagues aspiring to become authorities in their lives, accessing their emotions, and becoming more assertive. Personal and professional experiences have shown that understanding the past’s influence on the present allows for breaking free from repetitive patterns.

Ultimately, finding the right therapist is crucial—someone relatable, grounded, engaged, curious, collaborative, and who makes you feel accepted and safe, enabling exploration and growth.

Hesitation is both normal and natural. You won’t be the first or last to face such struggles. The most important thing is to make the decision of your own free will and for yourself, not due to coercion. Finding the right therapeutic fit is crucial. You want to meet with someone who accepts you for where you are in your life so that you feel safe enough to explore and grow.

Therapy is a fertile place for growth and expansion. We are all on a path of growing and expanding into life, and therapy provides a supportive environment to do so. The right therapist will meet you with acceptance, creating a safe space for your personal exploration and development.

Absolutely. I often joke with clients that, “it’s my job to put myself out of business.” My goal is to empower you to stand confidently on your own, both with and without therapy. This therapeutic space will always be available whenever you need it.

It’s not my place to decide if you “need” therapy—that’s a personal choice. I love the metaphor that life and therapy are like waves and seasons—they ebb and flow. You can move in and out of therapy depending on where you are in life. Therapy offers a supportive environment as you navigate life’s transitions.

I love when people share their experiences with me. I make no assumptions and always remind myself that everyone has a “bill of rights.” In our prejudiced, fear-based world, each of us possesses dignity.

When intervening, I might say, “I wonder how your experience as a (Black and bisexual man; a biracial woman in a predominantly white male environment; being from the South, gay, and growing up in a conservative home) affects you.” This helps bring to light the reality that the world isn’t always fair. I might also ask, “I wonder if there are any feelings about me being a white male,” acknowledging my own privilege.

Everyone has a unique identity, and I encourage clients to share and explore as much as they feel comfortable, without imposing my assumptions.

In therapy, you may notice shifts in your sessions. Some weeks, you feel grounded, clear-minded, and effective both in therapy and in the world. Other weeks, you might feel less self-assured as you delve into the challenging work of therapy, excavating your emotional landscape and reworking the foundation of your narratives.

Therapy involves navigating these fluctuations and understanding that growth comes from both the highs and lows.

How can you tell if you’re feeling stuck, unheard, or unseen in therapy? One sign is if your narrative remains the same each week. Sometimes, I may ask you directly if you feel like you’re getting what you need, if I’ve missed the mark, or if what I’m saying isn’t resonating.

It’s important to ensure that therapy is meeting your needs and that you feel seen and heard.

I have many beliefs, but here are a few key purposes:

• Rediscover and Reconnect: Therapy helps you rediscover and reconnect with yourself, others, and the world through deep reflection, self-acceptance, and life-affirming practices.
• Cultivate Healthier Relationships: Therapy enables you to build healthier and more fulfilling relationships by breaking free from limiting beliefs, fears, and doubts.
• Increase Mindfulness and Clarity: Therapy enhances mindfulness and provides clarity on your goals, dreams, and purpose.
• Sanity Maintenance: Therapy is not for people who are ill or “crazy.” It is a practice for maintaining sanity, similar to physical exercise and nutritional health, with cumulative benefits.
• Heal and Renew: Therapy cleanses the psyche of trauma by tending to neglected wounds, ultimately renewing your spirit and energy by affirming and strengthening your identities.