about
Who I Am and How I Work: ID and Ideals
I’ve been supporting children, teens, and families with their mental health for over 20 years as a psychologist and therapist on the East Coast. I earned my PhD in clinical psychology because I enjoy helping people solve problems. I have always related well to kids, especially teens and young adults. My wife and two kids would say this is because I’m unapologetically a child at heart. I received my training in outpatient clinical settings in Queens, NY, and Stamford, CT, and completed my doctoral dissertation on the effects of video games on teens. I established private practices in both NJ and CT, working in person with kids ages 8 and up, teenagers, and families for over 15 years.
As I saw more students facing anxiety, depression, substance use, and difficulty adjusting to college life, I pivoted to virtual therapy. Now, I provide online support to help students, wherever they are, weather the transition from home to college, overcome social anxiety, stay motivated, and build the confidence needed for adulthood.
key lessons
Here are some of the important insights I’ve learned as a clinical psychologist that serve to guide my day-to-day work:
Anxiety and depression occur when expectations don't match reality.
We can relieve stress and anxiety by changing expectations or altering the situation. Understanding what triggers us is key to changing our behavior.
Change happens by helping people understand themselves, not by altering who they fundamentally are.
It’s possible to manage technology use by prioritizing responsibilities before leisure.
The more you care, the more it hurts when things go wrong; avoiding pain may feel like the easiest path, but it isn’t a lasting solution.
Embracing rather than avoiding anxiety, anger, and sadness enhances life satisfaction.
