My Philosophy
"Medicine is not merely a science but an art.
The character of the physician may act more powerfully upon the patient than the drugs employed."
Paracelsus
Every human is unique. People are more than a diagnosis or a set of symptoms. I perform careful, comprehensive evaluations to develop the most individualized treatment possible. While working to understand the root causes of issues, I aim to support you in creating meaningful changes and developing new habits that lead to your enhanced happiness and value-driven life.
The distinctive character of my psychiatric practice is a product of my extensive training and experience in the application of psychopharmacology and individual psychotherapy to the biopsychosocial understanding of the human condition. Appreciation of the unique interconnection between a person's neurobiology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors are at the core of my work. My intention is to be mindful of the whole person and attentive to all areas of your life. I bring a well-rounded capability to attend to my patient's individual needs and goals while maintaining an interactional style that is genuine and engaged in the person rather than the diagnosis. Our work together will be dynamic, inspiring, and effective.
In my process, I work collaboratively with the patient to unveil the deep-seeded thought errors, thought distortions, or pathologic emotional responses that may be contributory to internal or external conflict in their life. I work with patients, families, and other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care. My patients direct the care, and I simply work with them in partnership to develop evidence-based individualized plans of care to achieve their goals.
Treatment plans may include the use of medications, therapy, or a combination thereof. I practice elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Supportive Therapy. If medications are recommended as a component of care, my goal is always to use the lowest effective therapeutic doses, the lowest number of medications, and for the shortest duration of time appropriate. I am NOT a pill pusher, nor am I quickly reflexive to add or change medications unless we have calculated outcome measures in which to target. Medications rarely fix all of the problems that people want and/or need to address in their lives. Our job, together, is to prioritize your goals and determine where lies the path to achieving those goals. Above all else, I meet you where you are in terms of being able or willing to work towards these goals.
SONDER
n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.