Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

People seek therapy for many different reasons. Some are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions. Others feel stuck in recurring patterns, experience persistent self-criticism, or want a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.

If you are curious about therapy, a consultation can help determine whether working together may be a good fit.

What is psychodynamic or psychoanalytic psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on understanding the deeper emotional and relational patterns that contribute to psychological suffering. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, treatment explores recurring themes in relationships, unconscious conflicts, self-esteem, attachment, and emotional experience.

The goal is not simply to help you cope with difficulties, but to create meaningful and lasting change.

How is psychodynamic therapy different from other forms of therapy?

Many therapies focus on symptom management, coping skills, or changing problematic thoughts and behaviors. These approaches can be highly effective for specific concerns.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy places greater emphasis on understanding the underlying causes of emotional difficulties and the patterns that continue to shape your life. By developing insight into these patterns and exploring them within the therapeutic relationship, many individuals experience deeper and more enduring change.

How often do you recommend therapy?

Most patients begin with weekly sessions. Depending on your goals and the nature of your concerns, meeting more frequently may be beneficial.

For individuals seeking more intensive psychodynamic treatment, meeting two or more times per week can provide additional opportunities to explore longstanding emotional and relational patterns in greater depth.

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some individuals seek treatment focused on a specific issue and work together for a relatively brief period of time. Others pursue longer-term psychotherapy aimed at understanding and changing longstanding patterns.

During our initial meetings, we can discuss your goals and determine an approach that feels appropriate.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. I provide telehealth services for residents of Washington, DC and Virginia.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Yes. I offer in-person psychotherapy sessions in my Washington, DC office as well as virtual appointments.

Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?

Yes. As a gay therapist, I provide affirming psychotherapy for LGBTQ+ individuals. Therapy may focus on concerns related to sexuality, relationships, identity development, family dynamics, attachment, self-esteem, or any other aspect of emotional life.

Do you treat trauma and PTSD?

Yes. In addition to psychodynamic psychotherapy, I am trained in several evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD, including EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Together, we can determine whether a trauma-focused approach, psychodynamic psychotherapy, or a combination of approaches may best fit your needs.

Do you work with personality disorders?

Yes. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing personality-related difficulties, including challenges involving emotional regulation, identity, self-esteem, relationships, and chronic interpersonal conflicts.

My work is informed by psychodynamic approaches, including Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), as well as other evidence-based treatments when appropriate.

What can I expect during the first session?

The first session is an opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy, your personal history, your goals, and any questions you may have about treatment. It is also an opportunity for both of us to determine whether working together feels like a good fit.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider and do not participate directly with insurance panels.

Many patients choose to use out-of-network benefits to obtain reimbursement for a portion of treatment costs. I can provide the documentation necessary for you to submit claims to your insurance company.

What are your fees?

Please contact me directly for current fee information.

How do I get started?

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation, please contact me by phone, email, or through the contact form on this website. I would be happy to discuss your concerns and determine whether working together may be helpful.