Therapy
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is the primary modality in my practice. I encountered ISTDP when I was a fourth year psychiatry resident, through a course in experiential dynamic psychotherapy in which the instructors showed video of their work with patients. When I saw their tapes, I knew I was seeing something different: progress happening more quickly, thanks to greater therapist engagement but also active collaboration in the moment between patient and therapist.
I am also informed by other modalities that I have learned (APT, traditional psychodynamic therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, CIMBS), by my own experiences as a recipient of life-changing therapy, and by the feedback of my patients, who have been my greatest teachers.
ISTDP is an experiential therapy based on the work of Dr. Habib Davanloo. It is based on the idea that experiences in your upbringing create patterns around feelings and anxiety that continue to be repeated in adulthood. These patterns may have helped you cope during childhood, but during adulthood, they can create problems interpersonally, make life and work difficult or less fulfilling, and lead to mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. In ISTDP therapy we work to identify the problems you want to address and how these old ways of coping are playing out in your life and in your therapy. Next, we help you learn to manage these patterns around emotions in ways that help you lead the life that you want.
Click here for a list of publications supporting the use of ISTDP across a wide variety of concerns.
Medications
My approach to medications is patient-centered, and based on your goals, preferences, and needs. In our work together, we will determine what symptoms and/or conditions we are targeting, and then discuss the best available options. Many conditions can be effectively treated with psychotherapy alone; in some cases, medications are an important part of treatment. My goal generally is for my patients to be taking the least amount of medication necessary for effective treatment.
I am experienced in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder.