Specialties

Revolutionary psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Harry Stack Sullivan said "We are all much more simply human than otherwise." In that spirit, I work with people of diverse backgrounds to address a wide range of issues. Among these, I have acquired particular experience and expertise in the following areas:

gender/sexual orientation/lgbtq

As a cis-gender gay man myself, I understand first-hand how LGBTQ individuals struggle with the same issues as everyone else, but in unique ways; and how, also, we struggle with issues that other people may never have to face. I have many years of experience working with the LGBTQ population in various capacities. In my practice, I have helped people address issues related to coming out; gender affirmation/transition; dating, relationships, and sex; internalized homophobia; family-of-origin conflicts; immigration; and other issues. Outside of my practice, I am active with LGBTQ professional and advocacy groups, and I apply insights gained from this work to my work with patients.

CULTURAL MINORITIES

I am Hispanic and have a special interest in working with people who are immigrants to the United States or the children of immigrants. Migrating from another country is a life-changing experience. Whether or not your presenting problem is directly related to your migration and cultural background, it is important to speak to someone who understands the unique factors that shape your life. I have personal and professional experience with issues of language; culture shock; legal status issues; acculturation; cross-generational differences; home sickness; and multiple-identity issues. As a native speaker, I also offer therapy in Spanish.

Eating & Body image problems

Addressing an eating disorder or body image problem requires special expertise. I have extensive training and experience with the full range of eating/body image problems: from mild body image and dieting concerns to chronic and severe anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. I also have experience helping individuals transitioning into or out of inpatient, residential, and/or intensive outpatient treatment. I take a two-prong approach to treatment: addressing and monitoring your symptoms while also examining their hidden roots. I also practice in a multidisciplinary fashion: based on my assessment, I may refer you to a trusted dietitian, primary care physician, and/or psychiatrist with expertise in this area in order to treat your problem from all angles.

COUPLES & family therapy

It is honorable and kind, not shameful, to seek professional help to improve relationships that have fallen into dysfunction. Whether you come in crisis or need help addressing day-to-day conflicts, I can help you identify your most problematic patterns and implement new ways of addressing them. I have particular experience helping couples and families with issues related to commitment; money; parenting; open relationships & polyamory; substance abuse; severe mental illness; and sexual orientation issues.