I believe that the relationship between a patient and their psychiatrist should be defined by one word: partnership.

My philosophy

It takes a lot of strength for a person to ask for help, to admit to themselves “I cannot do this alone.” It takes even more strength to admit this to a complete stranger. Because of this, I know that every one of my patients has the capacity to heal, to improve themselves. I view my role in patients’ journeys to mental wellness as more of a partner and a coach, to help them recognize their strength. I am here to explore the problem, with them, and see if we can come up with a solution together.

This philosophy directly affects my clinical approach. I never tell people what to do. I share the information I have learned through years of training and offer reasonable and ethical options that are most likely to help a person emotionally, behaviorally, or cognitively. I also help patients weigh pros and cons of different decisions, providing relevant information about their diagnosis and prognosis, as well as medication and therapy options.

Furthermore, I have a particular interest in early childhood trauma and the many ways that complex interpersonal trauma manifests in both children and adults. My framework for treating clients is always rooted in understanding how their personal experiences and environment are contributing to their present problems. While I believe that medication can significantly help alleviate my clients’ suffering, I also believe that, for most people, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Because of this, I try to recommend complementary methods when working with clients on their treatment plan. Depending on the client’s particular preferences, this can include spirituality, mindfulness, music, yoga, martial arts, and other forms of exercise.