A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
— Lao-Tzu

From time to time, we all experience situations in which we can benefit from the presence and support of another mind ­– someone who can help us better understand and resolve challenging emotional experiences. When you are struggling with an acute crisis, change or loss in your life, or even if you are “only” feeling mild, persistent depression and/or anxiety, difficult emotions can take a toll on your body and mind.

In the 30 years I have been practicing as a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles, I have worked extensively with people facing various forms of emotional pain. For most, embarking on a path of healing and change by entering psychotherapy is a courageous first step. Beginning psychotherapy takes a leap of faith – to trust someone, build a new relationship and think, feel, change and grow. In a spirit of collaboration and acceptance, I am committed to working with you to achieve your goals in a safe, respectful therapeutic environment.

My treatment philosophy is based on the belief that the practice of self-discovery creates more room for you to live your life to its fullest potential. I approach mental health and emotional challenges by weaving together mindfulness, mind-body integration, attachment theory and psychoanalytic and psychodynamic thinking.

Psychotherapy is a highly personal process that relies on both verbal and non-verbal communication. For it to be most effective, you need to feel comfortable enough with your therapist to express yourself freely, and you need your therapist to be sensitive to the nuances of your language to fully understand you. If you speak English as a second language, even fluently, you may still feel more comfortable thinking, dreaming, feeling and expressing yourself in your native language. Therefore, it is very helpful to work with a therapist who speaks your language or who is at least familiar with the challenges and frustrations inherent in being unable to use your mother tongue.

In addition to English, I speak Spanish, Hebrew and Russian and conduct psychotherapy sessions in these languages. I’m also quite familiar with the cultures associated with each of these languages. I have experienced the process of immigration, residence and emigration firsthand. Living in various countries has greatly enhanced my sensitivity to cross-cultural transitions, diversity issues and the process of acculturation. It has also furthered my understanding of the central role that language plays in interpersonal relationships. As a multi-cultural and multilingual therapist, I have extensive experience working with people from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds and providing culturally-sensitive psychotherapy.

We will work together to understand how ordinary life events – as well as unusual stressors, losses and traumas – can have an impact on your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Together, we will work to expand your inner strength and self-awareness so that you can make meaningful, desired and long-lasting changes.

By living more authentically and cultivating a compassionate understanding of yourself, you can begin a path toward a healthier relationships and a more satisfying life. Whether you are a native English speaker, or if you prefer to speak in Spanish, Russian or Hebrew, please feel free to contact me. Together, we can take the first step on your journey of self-discovery and change.

If you are looking for therapy in Los Angeles, please feel free to email me for more information about therapy and to schedule an appointment. I’m looking forward to speaking with you.