My Approach to Helping
Hi there! I am a board-certified, Yale & UPMC-trained, integrative psychiatrist with a CT-based telepsychiatry private practice that focuses on combining traditional psychiatric approaches with evidence-informed holistic methods to address you as a whole person - mind, body, & soul. I incorporate judicious use of medication, psychotherapy, mind-body medicine, nutritional supplementation, and healthy lifestyle modifications (i.e. sleep, diet, and exercise) into a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan that is aligned with your goals and vision for a fulfilling life. I bring an approach that is person-centered, strength-based, culturally-sensitive, and trauma-informed.
In working therapeutically with patients, I use methods derived from both solution and process-oriented psychotherapeutic frameworks. I start the therapy process by actively listening to you and your story and tailoring the process to fit your unique situation. I believe that healing is a holistic process that requires reflection and action. In some cases, our work together may involve a more goal-oriented approach of teaching you concrete tools that help you gain insight into yourself and break free from the negative patterns holding you back. In other cases, we may journey on a more depth-oriented approach that explores how you think, experience and relationally function in the world (including biological, social and cultural aspects) and allows an open, non-judgmental space to process larger life questions of human existence and personal values & beliefs in order to not only better understand the root causes of your suffering, but also to better understand yourself so you can become empowered in making life choices that align with who you are and lead a life that feels sincere, connected, and purposeful. I enjoy working alongside perceptive, growth-driven individuals with inquisitive minds and nostalgic souls who are invested in doing the work to better understand themselves and looking for a therapist who will meet them with empathy, authenticity, honesty, creativity, and a dash of humor.
I believe that Medicine = Science + Story. Beyond improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes, I have found that utilizing a narrative lens in the clinical context allows a reframe in perspective away from what is lost in illness and toward what is preserved — and in doing so, engages the innate ability I believe every human being possesses for resilience and healing. Not everything in life happens for a reason or is within our control, but we can find meaning and a sense of purpose in the things that happen.
I am passionate about doing the rewarding work of providing holistic, incremental care that alleviates suffering, promotes self-discovery, and helps patients still feel like people as they create more authentic and satisfying lives. This goal is representative of the kind of orientation with which I approach my work as well as my own life — around having an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to pay it forward.
I provide collaborative, compassionate, and conscientious care that values the therapeutic relationship as central to the healing process. If you are looking for a trusted, long-term partner on your journey towards optimal wellness, I would love to hear from you to see if we might be a good fit!
To request a free discovery phone call to see if we might be a good fit for working together, please submit a request via the "Book Now" button above or my website (www.ikigaipsychiatry.com).