I am a therapist who truly knows the transformative power of therapy to heal. I know this because it was therapy that allowed me to step away from my own burden of self-doubt, turmoil, and well-masked insecurity, and into a vital state of emotional optimism, inner calm and true connection with many wonderful others.
I left Russia in my early 20s with a master’s degree and a desire to find freedom and opportunity first in Sweden and later in the United States. At that time I didn’t realize how much this geographical journey was influenced by my silent need to escape my own internal bleak place and find nourishment to grow. As an immigrant on my own in new countries, I felt at times completely alone and struggled to hear the distinction between what my heart was telling me I wanted and what my new and old cultures told me that I should want.
I remember working hard towards my personal and career goals (and reaching many of them) while at my core I was at war with myself. I was afraid that the real me with all my limitations, imperfections and idiosyncrasies would get in the way of my dreams of self-actualization and fulfillment. I believed that only if I could barricade all of my dark corners and forget all about them, would I be able to have a successful life that was rich, and filled with love and opportunity.
To my surprise, this way of being and feeling– which I considered decisive and responsible– morphed into a directionless, empty and desperate state; the very place I had been trying to escape.
As the poet said, my best way out was through.
I was not excited about stepping into that dark tunnel, but I knew that if I didn’t face my dark corners, I wouldn’t find wholeness and have a chance to live my life as truly me. It was therapy that healed me; though therapy I learned how to access harmony , find shortcuts to luck, and endure times of adversity without ever stopping feeling fully alive.
I consider therapy to be a powerful healing artform that engages you emotionally, mentally, and physically and allows you to turn into the self you were meant to be before the hurt, the betrayal, and the fear. I am convinced that true confidence, resilience and capacity to be happy grow out of the process of therapy itself.
Having practiced therapy as a patient myself and for 15 years as a therapist, I am deeply grateful for where I am today. And I feel deeply privileged to support my patients along the twists and turns of their own healing journeys.
More Background
I offer individual and couples therapy utilizing Experiential therapeutic models. Please review my “Services” page for more information about my private practice.
In addition to my private practice as an individual and couple therapist, I also serve as faculty at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. I train psychology externs and interns, and psychiatry residents in the areas of psychotherapy and psychiatric assessment. I offer therapy in both English and Russian languages.
I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from New School for Social Research in New York City, United States. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in General Psychology from Stockholm University in Sweden and a Master of Arts (MA) in Linguistics and Literature from St. Petersburg University in Russia.
I have extensive experience of delivering psychological services in major inner city hospitals. This kind of work has provided me with expertise in psychiatric diagnostic assessment and the skills of making comprehensive and fitting treatment recommendations.
My passion for practicing, studying and teaching psychotherapy connects me to a vibrant and supportive community of experientially oriented therapists. I take every opportunity to engage in pioneering courses and workshops and find inspiration in the work of others.
Training and Experience
Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology, New School for Social Research, New York
South Beach Psychiatric Center, Fort Hamilton Outpatient Clinic, New York
Beth Israel Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York
Clinical Services at NYU Postdoctoral Program for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, New York
Bellevue Hospital Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York
Family Center for Bipolar Disorder at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York
New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy
The NLP Center of New York, Ericksonian Hypnosis Training
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Institute
National Institute for Psychotherapies
Associations
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
American Psychological Association