About Me…
October 19th, 2008
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), I provide compassionate and affirming psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents. I have special expertise helping folks who feel stigmatized based on their identity or life experiences…The Therapist/Client Relationship
January 1st, 2012
Clients seem surprised when I ask them questions like “Are you mad at me?” or “Have I offended you?”. They often feel uncomfortable answering directly – which I completely understand. However, I do this for a reason. In fact, I do it for several reasons, which I will further explain. Read the rest of this entry »
The Movie “Like Crazy” – A lesson in tolerating your emotions
November 30th, 2011
Have you seen the movie “Like Crazy” – a film about two young lovers who keep attempting to have a relationship with each other, even when it seems in vain? It’s not an unusual story. In fact, the couple’s experience is very human. As a therapist, I found some very useful lessons in it. But first: Spoiler alter! Don’t read on if you don’t want to know the storyline…
Overwhelming Grief
November 7th, 2011
Have you ever experienced overwhelming grief? If you’ve gone through an extremely difficult loss, you know what I talking about. Feeling on the verge of tears – more often than you’ve ever experienced. Feeling sad and depressed much of the day. Or experiencing a surge of sadness unexpectedly. You find yourself angry and bitter and don’t quite understand this change in your perspective. Perhaps you react strongly to things that would have gotten a much weaker response from you at a different time.
Questions and Compassion
September 26th, 2011
Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.
–Rainer Maria Rilke Read the rest of this entry »
Hanging On
June 12th, 2011
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Have you heard this saying before? I’ve seen it credited to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And I’ve been thinking about what it means to feel like you’re at the end of your rope, when you believe that you can’t take any more. When you feel like you just can’t go on.
Racism and Self-Image
April 13th, 2011
What happens when you grow up in a society saying you’re less-than for being black? Or that you must be meek if your Asian? Most likely, you reject these sterotypes and be yourself. There are many prejudiced stereotypes you know aren’t true for you. However, from what I know from my work with People of Color, these harmful messages can sometimes linger, distorting the way you think about yourself.
“When will I feel better?”
March 4th, 2011
People often come to therapists to feel better. They are tired, depressed, anxious, worried, down…you name it, as you’ve probably been there yourself. Folks will often see therapists with the hope that these feelings will go away…quickly. In fact, sometimes in the first session, clients ask me directly, “When will I feel better?”
The Tricky Part
February 23rd, 2011
Have you read Martin Moran’s memoir “The Tricky Part“? It’s his story of being sexually abused as a child and his journey to recovery. It’s a wonderful, yet harrowing read for many reasons. The part that stands out to me is his conflicting thoughts of hating the abuse, but also liking the attention. It’s a confusing thought that many people - men and women - who were abused by someone they know experience.
Rigorous Honesty
December 1st, 2010
Therapy and counseling can be difficult. You make the appointment and show up with the best of intentions. There are some things you need to work on – to talk out. You then find yourself face-to-face with the therapist and you just can’t bring yourself to speak your truth. You feel self-conscious, conspicuous, embarrassed or perhaps vulnerable. You know that being honest with yourself will help, but it’s difficult.
The Unseen Hearts of Gay Men
November 3rd, 2010
If you’re a gay man, you know the buzz – gay guys are mean to each other, catty, sex-obsessed, and have a shallow focus on appearance. We don’t need to go over that again. It’s become a culturally-shared truism. Thankfully, there is a different perspective.
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