I view my role as companion on the journey to mental and emotional wellness. Symptoms are trailheads that lead to places where healing is needed. My approach is both practical and spiritual—in a broad sense of the word. Happiness is fleeting; joy abides. Joy is experienced when life has purpose and meaning. I have experience working with problems and diagnoses including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, bipolar disorder, substance use, and some personality disorders. My methods depend on what seems most helpful to each client. I regularly use EMDR, IFS-informed parts work, emotion-focused therapy, and cognitive and behavioral therapies. Having lived in places as varied as the South Bronx and Japan, I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and with all sexual orientations and gender identities. As for education, my master’s degree in mental health counseling is from Indiana University. I also have a master’s in education from the City College of New York and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Swarthmore College.