How I
Practice
I treat the majority of my patients with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. I see a few patients just for medication management, and a few just for psychotherapy.
Most of my work is about listening. Being truly listened to is an increasingly uncommon experience, but I feel it is the only way for me to develop a genuine understanding of my patients, and ultimately, to help them. All too frequently, psychiatrists resort to rapid-fire questioning and checklists, but so much is lost without direct, open-ended communication.
I am not, however, silent. A large part of the help that psychotherapy can provide is based on the relationship between the therapist and the patient, so there has to be a two-way interaction. I do ask questions, particularly early on in a treatment, when I am just getting to know you. I also offer occasional interpretations, comments based on my understanding of what you are experiencing, that may help you see your situation differently than you're accustomed to, and thus lead to change.
I generally do not answer questions about myself, unless it is clear to me that answering will help you. This can be a frustrating experience for you as a patient, but it's important that the treatment be about you, not me.
Except with regard to medication recommendations, I rarely offer advice. I am aware that this can feel disappointing when you're looking for help. I simply believe that only you can judge what is best for you to do, and that it's your opinion that matters.
About Me
Education:
Medical School: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 2000
Residency: Mount Sinai/Beth Israel Medical Center, 2004, Chief Resident
Psychoanalytic Training: New York Psychoanalytic Institute, 2012
Employment:
Mount Sinai/Beth Israel Medical Center, Co-Unit Chief inpatient psychiatric unit, 2004-2006
Private Practice: 2006-present
Appointments:
Mount Sinai/Beth Israel: Assistant Attending in Psychiatry
New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute: Assistant Faculty; Co-Director of Communications.
Member-
ships/
Certifi-
cations
National Board of Physicians and Surgeons
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute
American Psychoanalytic Association
Licensure in the following states: NY; NJ; CT