My Path & Approach

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t a straight line, but every stop taught me something about how we navigate the world. I spent much of my earlier career in behavioral pharmacology, researching how the brain and behavior intersect. While that background gives me a deep understanding of the “mechanics” of mental health, I eventually realized that data only goes so far. The real work happens in the connection between people.

I work with Relational Psychodynamic Therapy, which is based on the idea that our past experiences create a “blueprint” for how we see the world today. Often, we find ourselves stuck in patterns—in our careers, our relationships, or our self-image—without fully understanding why. In our sessions, we don’t just look at the symptoms; we look at the source. We identify the internal scripts driving your decisions and use our interaction in the room as a real-time way to see how you connect with others.

I don’t see therapy as me “fixing” you. I see it as a collaborative experiment. I bring a scientific curiosity to the work—an observant eye for the details and patterns others might miss—but the relationship is what drives the change. We try out new perspectives together to see what actually creates movement.

I also believe that being honest about the human experience involves a sense of humor. Life is often absurd, and acknowledging that keeps us grounded. It keeps the work human.

When I’m not in the office, I’m usually staying active or looking for a different perspective. You’ll find me on my road bike, focusing on landscape photography, or diving into a film that has something to say. I try to bring that same sense of curiosity and wide-angle perspective into every session.

Professional Foundation

PhD in Psychology/Pharmacology | University of Michigan

Master of Social Work (MSW) | Western Michigan University

Post-Doctoral Training | Pharmacology & Behavioral Science