What should I expect in our first session?
In our first meeting, I’ll want to understand what you’re hoping to gain from treatment and learn more about your concerns. Together, we’ll begin developing an initial treatment plan tailored to your goals.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
I am a collaborative and active clinician. I strive to be empathic and validating, while also thoughtfully focusing on the changes you want to make. My goal is to help you achieve meaningful, lasting progress.
How long have you been practicing? What has your experience been like?
I completed my residency in 1989 and have been practicing for over three decades. I have served as Chief of an inpatient DBT unit and have been in full-time private practice since 1998, providing both individual therapy and psychopharmacology. I have led DBT skills groups for patients and trained clinicians in DBT.
What do you specialize in?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychopharmacology, and family and couples therapy.
What are your research interests?
I have extensive research experience in Borderline Personality Disorder and have authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping patients. It has been the honor of my lifetime. There have been meaningful moments in sessions that I will always carry with me.
What inspired you to become a psychiatrist?
I served as a peer counselor in high school and college. I entered medical school intending to pursue either family medicine or psychiatry, and it quickly became clear that psychiatry was my true passion.
If you weren’t practicing psychiatry, what would you be doing?
I would run a dog sanctuary and training center, ideally following in the footsteps of Cesar Millan.
What might clients be surprised to learn about you?
I live in a forest in the Catskill Mountains.
What self-care practices do you prioritize?
Regular exercise, healthy eating, and consistent sleep.