I specialize in working with eating disorders, developmental trauma, and twentysomethings.
Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can cause significant suffering for both individuals and their families. I offer personalized treatment for adolescents and adults for the full spectrum of eating disorder and body image concerns. I am fortunate to have worked closely with some of the top experts in this field, from whom I learned the latest empirically-validated treatments for the management of eating disorders.
Often individuals are hesitant to engage in treatment for an eating disorder because they consider that aspect of their personality to be closely tied to their drive for self-improvement. They worry that recovery from their eating disorder could cause them to also lose their motivation to achieve and succeed. However my approach to treatment seeks to honor—and fuel—that drive, and focuses on creating the foundation to support a lifetime of ongoing motivation and success.
With my eating disorder clients, therapy focuses on repairing the disconnection that has emerged between the body and mind, and cultivating a sense of self-trust and safety in one's own body to replace the often relentless self-criticism and fear of losing control. Using a framework of self-compassion and mindfulness, we work on recognizing—and responding effectively—to the signals our body is sending.
Developmental trauma
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Physical or emotional neglect
Parental separation or divorce
Death of a parent or sibling
Family member with mental illness
Violence in the home
Parent or sibling with alcohol or substance abuse
Incarcerated family member
Our early experiences shape how we make sense of the world, think about ourselves, and act in relationships. I specialize in the profound impact of early chronic adversity—such as physical or sexual abuse, the death of a parent or sibling, bullying, or an unsafe home or school environment—on one’s mental and physical health. My expertise comes not only from clinical training, but from years of research work for Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience .
As we navigate our adult life, these experiences can cause us to feel stuck. This is especially common during periods of transition, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, a move, new job, illness, or loss.
When working with clients, it is crucial for me—and them—to understand how experiences of adversity and trauma rewire our brain to make us more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Many of my clients come in with a nagging feeling that something is wrong with them, or that aspects of life that appear to come naturally to others—self, identity, love, work, health and happiness—are harder for them, and this is something we work to understand—and heal—together.
Twentysomethings
Post-college transition
Depression and anxiety
Career uncertainty
Time management
Self-care and coping with stress
The twenties are a unique developmental sweet spot, a time when the work you do and the experiences you have become intricately intertwined with your identity—and even with your brain. At the same time, the many transitions and critical life choices associated with this period of life can place an inordinate amount of stress on young adults, whose brains and coping skills are still developing. Many twentysomethings experience anxiety, depression, or feel paralyzed when it comes to making decisions about their future.
I have a deep understanding and appreciation for how much the twenties matter. In therapy, I help my twentysomething clients develop coping skills to support intentional decision-making and a stronger sense of self.