Psychoanalytic Therapists in Eagle Rock, CA

My priority is to help clients lead a valued, fulfilling life. I work well with creative or insightful individuals who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or major life decisions or transitions. In addition to working through specific challenges, psychotherapy is an opportunity for you to gain insight into why you act the way you do, explore who you want to be in the world, and better understand what you need in order to thrive. I feel privileged to do this kind of work with people.

You made it here which means a courageous part of you is seeking understanding, meaning, and healing. As a psychoanalyst, I am trained to listen for the soft whispers of desire and hope living beneath the mountain of fears, disappointment and despair accumulated through a lifetime of heartbreak. Through deep listening, exploration, and a little play, we will come to know the various ways your pain story continues to speak. We will examine the unique self-protective behaviors you developed to keep you safe and how these feelings and behaviors may be getting in the way of the intimacy, connection and internal freedom you are seeking.

Adult children of narcissists and emotionally immature parents often find their way to therapy at some point in life seeking to understand why they feel depressed and anxious. I specialize in the impact these early relationships have on our adult lives. You may have developed heightened empathy either as a response to your upbringing or as one of the 20% of the population who identify as a Highly Sensitive Person. Either way our work together aims to alleviate your confusion and suffering, heal past trauma and restore your connection to yourself and others.

Are you finding the transition into motherhood challenging or overwhelming? Whether it be infertility, miscarriage, peri-natal/postpartum depression and anxiety, or simply the challenges of maintaining a sense of self as you care for your family, the most important thing you can do is seek support through this transitional time of your life. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients through each stage of transition. Whether it be a new job, a child, a relationship, or the loss associated with life transitions, I provide a safe space to explore one's feelings and get unstuck.

You may come here looking because there are parts of yourself you feel like you must hide. You may feel like there are conflicts with who you are, and how you currently present in the world. You may be coming to a deeper understanding of your gender or sexual identity. It can be hard to know how to talk to your family and friends. This can be a scary time filled with a lot of fear, curiosity, uncertainty, and grief; all of which can complicate your relationship with your family and friends. Together we can explore ways to find a little more ease in the journey.

Just because you're struggling, does not mean you're failing! Are you a new mom who feels like something is just not quite right? Has starting a family been difficult and/or different than you imagined it would be? Has your new role left you feeling overwhelmed? Do you sometimes regret becoming a parent? Do you just need support while you figure it out? Trust your instincts. Transitioning into motherhood can be a time filled with joy and excitement but also stress, frustration, fear and heartbreak. I enjoy working alongside clients through their unique journeys of trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum and whatever comes next.

I like to be real with people. I find the best way to work with individuals and couples is to be present, ask the right questions, and give honest feedback. Whether you are coming to therapy for personal growth, a relationship or family issue, healing from loss, past trauma, or anything else, I want to explore who you are, how your life experiences have affected you and your relationships, ways in which those experiences keep replaying themselves, and how to get you out of the cycle. My approach is to provide a comfortable and real space to talk, explore and work on feeling better.

We understand that it is difficult to find a therapist you can actually connect to - someone who is both effective and human. That is why our therapists strive for this balance, providing authentic and effective therapy. We work collaboratively with people to detail their future hopes and honor the histories that inform their current experiences and relationships. Our goal is to not only effectively reduce symptoms, but also to facilitate the creation of a strong relationship with yourself and your inner world. Therapy can be a transformative experience when it is co-created and tailored to each individual, couple, or family.

Are you stuck in the same old arguments? Struggling with communication, boundaries, thoughts of leaving, or infidelity? Or maybe intimacy feels awkward or stale? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors or relationships and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes we get stuck, and change can feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help change your life. If you have the sense you're not reaching your potential for health, happiness, or success, it may be time to move toward a change.

In a world in which panic, isolation, and grief have become our new neighbors, simply the idea of trusting another human being can be overwhelming. Therapy can help. What you might see as “symptoms” are ways that your unconscious communicates what you really need and value without words. Therapy is a space in which we can look at the story of your life and make meaning out of those "symptoms" together. I can help you translate the language of your body so you can learn to work with, rather than against yourself.

There is no "one size fits all" approach when it comes to therapy. You decide what you need from of our time together. Perhaps, for now, you're curious. This is where we start. I aim to strike a balance between a direct and challenging therapeutic space with warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor when appropriate. I provide space for clients to explore and "connect the dots" openly and free of judgment. Together we will work to make the unconscious more conscious expanding and deepening your understanding of yourself and putting you more in touch with your hopes, your dreams, and desires.

I provide therapy to people across the lifespan, from young children to older adults, as well as couples and families. While the methods may change depending on age and circumstance the goals are often similar: to feel understood, to connect, and to grow. I work in a respectful, collaborative and creative way to explore the parts of self that might be contributing to feelings of stagnation and being stuck. I was previously licensed as an Educational and Child Psychologist in the UK and I have extensive experience in schools, working with children, parents and faculty to support student growth and wellbeing.

You are ready to feel better and are looking for the right therapist to join you in your time of change. As your therapist, I will welcome you during this time with warmth and ease. My intention is to provide a collaborative, relational, and honest space where we can explore your internal landscape, gain insight into your patterns, and find new ways of being. I am a fit for adults seeking individual or couple therapy for a number of issues including major life transitions, managing complex relationships, grief, heartbreak, trauma, burnout, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, and depression. I am an affinity therapist for LGBTQ+ folks.