Why I'm a Therapist
Thank you for visiting my website. I think it's important for my clients to know why I became a therapist and why I believe therapy is important for personal growth and healing.
There was a time in my early 20s when I felt lost. A significant relationship in my life ended when my girlfriend and I broke up. Additionally, in my work as a biotech consultant, I was experiencing a lack of clarity in career direction and an overall questioning of purpose, which only served to compound my difficulties.
But most significantly, I felt confused. The level of distress I felt about the situation was extreme, and seemed disproportionate to the level of challenges I was facing in my personal and professional life.
Something inside me knew I needed support. I called some therapists from a directory and quickly felt a connection on the other end of the line with one particularly understanding psychologist.
I would end up working with her on and off for 10 years. She served as a lifeline for me during difficult periods and helped me grow into the man I am today. As I learned more about myself through my work with her, I clarified what I wanted for my life and made the decision to leave corporate America in order to train to become a therapist myself.
Today, I have been a practicing psychotherapist for almost 15 years. I strive to be a force of hope, love, and understanding for my clients. Along with my wife, Liz, who is also a psychotherapist, I am part of a vibrant and dedicated community of healers across Southern California, working to bring more clarity, compassion, and connection to the world.
I have seen that when individuals heal at a deep level, the beneficial impact of that work ripples outwards to their family, friends, and broader communities. This inspires me, as therapy can serve as an instrument for systemic level change in the world.
My aim for my work with you is to bring more compassion and understanding to your suffering: compassion because everyone experiences challenges in life that are difficult to cope with; and understanding because delving into the roots of what drives your suffering provides a sense of hope and perseverance on your path towards healing and growth.
I have seen over and over how supporting people through their periods of pain can ultimately lead them to feeling more aligned with themselves and their values, as well as experiencing deeper and more honest relationships with the people important to them.
Your pain can eventually become a portal to a stronger sense of aliveness, motivation, and purpose. I’m here to support you on that path.
Education
- California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS): MA Integral Counseling Psychology
- Harvard University: MA Education
- Stanford University: BA Economics
Teaching
- University of California, Berkeley: Instructor
- Harvard University: Teaching Fellow
Licensing & Association Membership
- California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: License #96372
- CAMFT - California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Full Professional Biography:
Personal Interests and Memberships
- Toastmasters Santa Monica: https://21.toastmastersclubs.org/
- Crossfit Los Angeles: https://www.oakparkla.com/