I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City, providing evidence-based, holistic, and culturally-sensitive psychotherapy to individuals and couples in New York and California.
Therapeutic Approach
As a person-centered, integrative and holistic psychologist, and certified yoga teacher, I draw from psychodynamic psychotherapy to help clients develop insight and awareness into themselves, and from second- and third-wave cognitive-behavioral models [e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)] to translate insights into meaningful action in the here-and-now by developing skills to interrupt maladaptive patterns of coping.
I also incorporate mindfulness-based and mind-body interventions from Western positive psychology and its roots in Eastern contemplative traditions to facilitate deeper self-awareness, -acceptance, and -compassion, as well as mental and physical integration conducive to sustainable change.
I believe that clients deserve not only to experience a reduction in their symptoms, but to live their lives with vitality and in authentic connection with their whole selves and communities.
Cultural sensitivity is essential to my clinical practice. With a bicultural background and a commitment to social justice, I value diversity and recognize the impact of sociocultural and racial/ethnic factors on psychological experiences.
Specialties.
I specialize in issues related to trauma and adversity, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, addictive behaviors, obsessive and compulsive behaviors, chronic shame and self-criticism, relationship and identity challenges, and life adjustments and transitions.
The formats of treatment I provide are individual and couples therapy (in-person and virtual).
Testimonial
Education & Training.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara (APA-accredited)
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. in Psychology, San Francisco State University
Graduate coursework in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Mind, Body, and Spirituality, Teachers College, Columbia University
Doctoral Internship, New York University School of Medicine – Bellevue Hospital Center (APA-accredited)
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Williamsburg Therapy Group, NY
Certificate of College and University Teaching, University of California, Santa Barbara
Yoga Teacher Training Certificate, YogaWorks
I have received extensive training in treating a wide range of mental health conditions across a culturally diverse population. My clinical experience includes individual, couples, group, and family psychotherapy and psychological assessment for adults, adolescents, and children in inpatient and outpatient hospital, college counseling, community mental health, and private practice settings.
In addition to clinical work, I have over five years of experience in teaching yoga and university-level psychology courses.
My research examines the impact of mindfulness and yoga on individuals with traumatic and adverse life experiences. This research can be found in my publications below.
Research & Magazine Publications
Journal of Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Yoga as “A Practice of Liberation”
Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Perceptions of Adjunctive Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Prevent Suicidal Behavior among High Suicide-Risk Outpatient Participants
National Geographic Magazine
‘Urgency Culture’ Might Lead You to Burnout. How Can You Combat It?
Read here for my other academic publications on diversity issues and equitable prevention science,
my publication in a yoga magazine on yoga and holistic healing, and
my interview with a mass media journal on modern dating.
Events
I am open to collaborating in community- and university-based events, and sharing knowledge in professional and academic settings.
Scientific conferences where I have presented my research include:
American Psychological Association Annual Convention
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Annual Meeting
International Summit on Preventing, Assessing & Treating Trauma Across the Lifespan
American Arab, Middle Eastern, & North African Psychological Association Conference
International Conference on Trauma & Embodiment
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association
APA Division 29's Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy
American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association
Yoga+Psychotherapy
Yoga+Psychotherapy
Yoga, originating in India over 5,000 years ago, means “to join.” It is a practice that cultivates the union of the mind and body through physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation techniques. Numerous short- and long-term mental and physical health benefits are associated with yoga, and promising evidence points to the psychologically transformative effects of integrating yoga and psychotherapy.
As a certified yoga teacher, I also integrate yoga with psychotherapy sessions, if it is clinically appropriate and of interest to clients.
Free Mindfulness Resource
If you are interested in developing your mindfulness practice, feel free to download my guided meditation script below.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
— Carl Rogers