About Me
I am a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst working with adults in New York City and remotely.
Why Psychoanalysis
I found that what I read excited me with its ability to touch realms that other approaches did not.
Although psychoanalysis is now experiencing a great resurgence, when I was in school, it was considered old fashioned and often dismissed as rigid or cold and non-relational. Then I met and read people who spoke of psychoanalysis in a way that brought it alive and made me curious.
I found that what I read excited me with its ability to touch realms that other approaches did not. The writing of Michael Eigen was one early influence and inspiration. Also Winnicott, Lacan, Bion and others.
The Way I Listen
I listen in a special way, developed over the years. You might say I listen to what is said in between the words. This includes what is not said, the emotion that arises in speaking, what words come up repeatedly, patterns that form, slips of the tongue, silences. All of this is a way of listening to hear what the unconscious is needing to express or address. It is a non-pathologizing, non-judgmental form of attention.
I listen to what is said in between the words.
Buddhism & Meditation
What is the role of meditation in my practice? While my own Zen practice informs my work, I don't explicitly teach meditation unless the patient shows an interest. That being said, there are few conditions that cannot be helped by even a brief introduction of contemplative reflection. Many problems are worsened by an inability to connect to experience in a direct, immersive way.
Training & Credentials
Master’s Degree - Hunter School of Social Work
European Graduate School
Dissertation on Free Association
I received my Masters Degree from Hunter School of Social work. My interest in philosophy brought me to European Graduate school where I studied with teachers like Zizek, Butler and Ronell and Agamben. After completing a dissertation on Free Association I found a love of writing and have continued to publish throughout my career.
Outside the Office
Reading • Philosophy • Running • Art • Film
Psychoanalysts like Freud and Lacan considered it essential to open oneself to many fields of art and learning. I have always been nourished by reading, philosophy, running, art, film and many other fields. All of which help me understand patients from many backgrounds and interests.