This is my second career; previously, I spent 15 years in the performing arts in New York City. I find that aspects of my training as an artist are helpful in working with clients in a creative and practical manner. I have a deep curiosity for the stories of others and find working with clients very meaningful. I have worked in college counseling centers, abstinence only and harm reduction substance abuse clinics, and private practice. These experiences have shaped how I work with clients who have intersectionality between substance misuse and minority status. I specialize in working with gay men who use crystal methamphetamine and the interplay between sexuality and substance use. I have postgraduate psychoanalytic training from the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies as well as years of harm reduction substance misuse training from the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai West. Here, I was a staff therapist for various programs, including the Crystal Clear program.

I tend to work from a psychodynamic standpoint initially as I like to provide the space for clients to tell their story first. If someone is actively using substances and would like to reduce or eliminate use, I tend to be more solution-focused initially, relying on CBT/DBT techniques until the client feels that they have attained a level of management around their use. I tend to be both practical and flexible in my approach so that I can best meet the client where they are.

I continue to read and explore various aspects of the counseling field. I find that peer supervision as well as the supervision of graduate students continues to deepen my practice and often brings to light any blind spots I may have in my treatment approach.