My approach to therapy starts with building a foundation of collaboration, safety, and trust. Therapy works best when you are able to make a commitment to personal betterment, healing, and change. Change can apply to your ways of thinking, relationship interactions, and habits. Even small changes can make a big difference in quality of life. I also pay close to attention to what your strengths are and what you value, and encourage you to trust and use those strengths while living out those values  in order to create a greater sense of well-being. I use a variety of evidence-based therapies but start with a foundation of warmth, support, and open communication. I listen very carefully to my clients and am an active therapist, not one who just listens and nods a lot.

I have close to 30 years of therapy experience and have worked with a wide diversity of people and issues. I am committed to providing culturally responsive care. I do have some specializations, including working with depression, relationship concerns, challenging life transitions, grief, and challenges with identity (including integrating multiple identities), men’s issues, and sexual/sexuality issues. I have worked extensively with and am committed to the LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and young adult communities.

BA - Psychology, San Francisco State University

MA - Clinical Psychology, DePaul University

PhD - Clinical Psychology, DePaul University

he/him

I became a mental health professional because it fits with my value system. In the 1980s, I started doing volunteer work as an emotional support counselor for people with AIDS and found that the work not only helped others but also allowed for my own growth. Whenever possible I like to set up these types of win-win situations, and providing psychotherapy has been especially fulfilling in this regard. I believe that healing and growth is possible for everyone.

My interests include spending as much time as possible in nature, gardening, cooking and eating delicious food, spending time with friends, enjoying my pets, and enjoying all the arts.

I go for a walk somewhere beautiful. I read that the color green calms the human nervous system, so I like to be somewhere with lots of trees.

Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger; it's a beautiful written novel in which you come to truly love the young characters, who are incredibly smart and sensitive.