photo by Anastasiia Sapon

What kind of therapist are you?

I use cognitive behavioral therapy from a person-centered approach. 

What's that?

I'm interested in how your thoughts affect your emotions, and in turn, your behaviors. I can help you identify and change self-destructive thought patterns, which lead to problematic actions. I do this in a way that is down to earth and takes your lead, as ultimately, you are the expert in your own life. 

That sounds nice, but how are you different from other therapists?

There is no point in doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. (The definition of insanity, no?) I enjoy collaborating with people on creative problem solving. I like taking risks and am willing to try new things, whatever it takes, to help you feel better. That's why you're looking for a therapist, right?

I will accept you as you are. Snotty, tear-stained, depressed, mean, self-absorbed, I'll take you as you are. Really. Even people who may be feeling and/or acting at their lowest. I think everyone has something to offer and that it takes a lot of bravery to expose your truest (and maybe not prettiest) self to a stranger.

Where did you go to school and what are your professional affiliations?

• University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA): MS in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Northwestern University (Evanston, IL): BA in Theatre and Slavic Languages and Literature

• CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)

• SFCAMFT (San Francisco chapter of CAMFT)

What types of issues do you have experience working with?

• Depression/Anxiety

• Panic Disorder

• Substance Abuse/Dependence

• Obsessive thoughts/Compulsive behavior

• Life Transitions (Career, Relationships)

• Quarter Life Crisis

• New parenthood, postpartum depression and anxiety 

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I grew up here in San Francisco in the Richmond and Sunset districts after my family emigrated from the former Soviet Union. I feel proud and lucky to live in the city that helped make me who I am today and to be able to raise my family in an environment of acceptance and progressive thought. In my spare time I’m either tooling around town with my 2 sons or enjoying movies, travel, art, interior design, and estate sales (guilty pleasure!)