When depression has been present for a long time, it can begin to shape how you experience yourself and your relationships. You may notice yourself pulling back from others, expecting criticism, or feeling discouraged when life doesn’t improve despite your real efforts. Over time this can create a sense of feeling stuck or alone.

In my work with persistent depression, I use an evidence-based treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP). CBASP focuses on how long-standing interpersonal patterns develop and how those patterns continue to influence present-day relationships and emotions.

In therapy we look closely at real situations from your life and experiment with new ways of responding — often leading to different and more satisfying outcomes.

CBASP has been identified by the American Psychological Association as having strong evidence for the treatment of persistent depression. Research suggests it can be as effective as medication, with the strongest results when therapy and medication are combined.

I received advanced training in CBASP, including intensive supervision and video review at the UCLA Psychology Clinic.

Couples often reach out for therapy after struggling with the same painful patterns for a long time. You may have tried many ways of explaining, fixing, or avoiding the problem, yet the same arguments or misunderstandings keep returning. After a while this can become exhausting, leaving both of you feeling discouraged and unsure how to move forward together.

In my work with couples, I use an evidence-based approach called Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT). IBCT focuses on understanding the deeper patterns that shape how partners respond to one another — the ways personality differences, past experiences, expectations, and sensitivities interact in everyday moments.

In therapy we slow these moments down and look at them together. We try to understand what each person was hoping for, what they were protecting, and how the interaction unfolded. Often, when these patterns become clearer, partners begin to see each other with more, genuine empathy and perspective.

From there, we begin experimenting with different ways of responding. Small shifts can gradually open new possibilities in the relationship. Over time, many couples find themselves moving out of cycles of blame or withdrawal and toward greater understanding, compassion, and collaboration.

IBCT is one of the most carefully studied forms of couples therapy. In the largest and longest randomized clinical trial of couple therapy, IBCT was shown to improve relationship satisfaction, emotional closeness, communication, and individual well-being, with effects lasting up to five years.

My training in IBCT included a two-year practicum and intensive supervision with one of the model’s two co-developers, Dr. Andrew Christensen.

Support for infertility, adoption, early parenting, and children’s emotional development.

The path to forming or growing a family is often imagined as joyful and straightforward. In reality, it can include moments that are far more complicated. Experiences such as infertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum adjustment, adoption, and early parenting can bring meaningful change alongside uncertainty, grief, and shifts in identity. You may find yourself trying to make sense of experiences that are difficult to talk about.

Parenting can also raise questions about how best to support a child’s emotional and behavioral development — especially when a child struggles with regulation, attention, or developmental differences. Many parents want to respond thoughtfully but aren’t always sure what will help.

Therapy provides a space to slow down and think together about these experiences. We work to strengthen connection within the family while developing practical ways of navigating everyday challenges.

Depending on what a family is facing, therapy may draw on several evidence-based approaches, including Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Adoption-Specific Therapy (ADAPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches support children’s emotional development, strengthen attachment and family relationships, and help families navigate stress and major life transitions. When helpful, I also collaborate with medical providers — including OB-GYNs, fertility specialists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians — to support coordinated care.

My work in this area is informed by a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in infant and early childhood mental health. I am certified in PCIT and completed the UCLA–LA County Department of Mental Health Early Childhood Fellowship, and I am completing certification in CPP (expected April 2026). My training in Adoption-Specific Therapy (ADAPT) included direct instruction from one of the treatment developers, Dr. Jill Waterman.