As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) located in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC, I provide compassionate and affirming psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents. I have specialized experience helping people who do not feel like they fit in – those who’ve been marginalized or dismissed based on their identities or experiences…

Confidence is something we all want.  In fact, we’re attracted to confidence in others.  But confidence can seem elusive for many of us.  I recently read Augusten Burrough’s self-help book – “This Is How”.  Now, I’m not much of a self-help reader.  For some reason, I find them confusing and simplistic.  But I really enjoyed Burroughs’ book.  Especially his take on developing confidence. Read the rest of this entry »

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I have heard that statement – or something very close to it – many times from my clients.  Many people are very uncomfortable with anger.  So uncomfortable that they will deny it exists.

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I’ve heard that statement many times from clients.  In fact, it’s not an uncommon complaint in the therapy room.  And it can be a difficult problem for people in relationships to tackle.  There’s often a hidden storage of fear, embarrassment, anger, and resentment keeping people from having the sex life they desire. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: relationships, sexuality
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I’m not one much for sporting analogies, but in this case, it seems apropos.  As a therapist, I’ve been a part of many boxing matches – watching clients logical brains spar with their emotional brains.  People often think that if they can understand their emotions, they won’t have to experience them.  Logic beats emotion and, in theory at least, makes life easier. And for many beginners in therapy, the logical brain wins.  I’m not always celebrating this accomplishment. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted Under | Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Grief & Loss, Therapy & Counseling, Uncategorized | No Comments »

“I want to stop feeling this way.” Read the rest of this entry »

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I recently read an article about the Boy Scouts of America’s continued determination to keep gay men and adolescents from participating in the organization. The leadership uses the argument that being gay is not “morally straight.” The concept of morality and sexual orientation is an interesting one. And in my work as a therapist, I’ve learned that morality is certainly subjective. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted Under | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Concerns, Relationships, Couples, Polyamory, Kink & Sexuality, Therapy & Counseling | No Comments »

Have you been surfing lately?  Summer’s here and the beach isn’t too far away.  I’ve never surfed in the ocean myself…but there is another kind of surfing that I practice.  There’s another wave to ride…and it wont get you wet.  I’m talking about the wave of emotion.  Read the rest of this entry »

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Is your sex life not what it used to be?  Would you like it to be more than it has been?  Are there things you want to try but haven’t?  What can you do about it? Read the rest of this entry »

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From a recent article in the New York Times Magazine to a column in The Advocate, the idea of non-exclusive sex in committed relationships has been receiving a lot of attention.  This idea may make you cringe.  Or it might be “old news” as far as you’re concerned.  In either case, the idea that committed couple relationships can take many forms is can be a huge relief for some people.

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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 »

Tags: hope, therapy, trust
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