Let’s start with something easy. Can you tell us a little about your professional background and areas of focus?
I'm a licensed clinical social worker and practicing psychotherapist for over five years. The foundation of my training is in psychodynamic treatment. I mostly focus on the unconscious, internal conflicts, attachment, and trauma.
How would you describe your approach to therapy?
I am relational in my approach. I believe that understanding and healing occurs in the context of our relationships, and therapy at its core is the building and deepening of a relationship.
What would your patients say about you?
I think they would say that I care, listen well, and am committed to their well-being.
How did you become interested in working with psychedelics including ketamine?
I caught wind of the clinical trials and research findings while in graduate school, specifically the remarkable results of MDMA-assisted therapy for individuals with treatment resistant PTSD. It just made sense to me that lowering defenses and greater access to varying states of consciousness have the potential to expedite the healing process and alleviate suffering. I've been engaged in the conversation surrounding psychedelics and mental health ever since.
What excites you most about the future of psychedelics?
I'm most excited to see how the use of psychoanalytic theory and practice in psychedelic therapy will continue to evolve. I've been reading old case studies of analysts describing their work with patients using psychedelics as a therapeutic support, and they are fascinating.
Enough about work! Let’s try some rapid fire questions;
- First, Where do you live? - Western MA and Brooklyn, NY
- What's a perfect afternoon? - Basking in the sun with my partner, little one, and dearest friends on either a hammock, a blanket in the park, or my porch. I'd like there to be snacks.
- Favorite food? Pizza/Pasta - fully ripened mango
- Describe yourself in two words. - curious, direct