About Therapy

2306387405 1When you get here…

My bright, inviting office on the eighth floor offers a stunning view of the Hollywood Hills, including the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory.

I will greet you warmly.

You might feel like a geyser of overflowing emotions that you want to express all at once, or you may not be sure what you want to say.

And if you have never been in therapy, you might even have doubts about how it works. That’s ok. I’m here to guide and support you throughout your session.

Think of our time together as like having conversations with a deeply caring and supportive listener. I want to be your biggest cheerleader and advocate.

I ask lots of questions to help you find your way, and you are welcome to ask me questions, too!

My office is a safe place for you to explore where you are in your life and tell me about your challenges and dreams.

2079591592Let’s dive right in!

We’ll start with an inventory of what’s working and what’s not in your life.

Working with me is like an ongoing conversation where you share your life story. Tell me your disappointments and frustrations, and I will help you edit your story for a better fit.

I take my work seriously but also integrate humor and fun whenever possible. You will hear a lot from me, too.

I ask lots of questions, but I also offer hope as you heal old wounds and conceptualize your exciting, new and improved life.

You have goals and dreams…

I’m here to empower you to achieve them.

To do that, we’ll have real talk, meaning I’ll never sugar-coat my thoughts or observations.

Every session will be tailored to YOU. Sometimes, I offer support and guidance. Other times, we examine the negative behavioral patterns that originated in childhood that get in the way of your current happiness.

You also bring strengths and successes to this experience; we’ll leverage them to shore up weaker areas of your life.

Let me help you soar to new heights!

You can start today by reaching out for your free consultation: (917) 922-2650.

About Me

DavidMy road to becoming a therapist…

Ever since I could remember, friends, family members, and even strangers would confide in me their deepest secrets, struggles in life, and insecurities.

As a gay man, feeling different and the discrimination I experienced made me more empathetic and understanding of other people’s problems and challenges. So, I got a lot of practice in being an active listener, offering compassionate support and occasional advice.

Romantic relationships came easily to me, but I witnessed friends struggling. I became interested in how some people seemed like they were always partnered while others seemed like they were always single and looking. After ending a 25-year relationship and returning to the dating pool in mid-life, I was surprised and sometimes overwhelmed by my dating experiences. This inspired me to help clients navigate the complexities of dating in today’s world and find loving, lasting relationships.

Some of my education and background…

I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, specializing in LGBT-affirmative therapy. I also have a master’s in spiritual psychology. My degree in spiritual psychology gives me the tools to help you answer questions such as “Who Am I?”,”What is my purpose?” and “How can I make a meaningful contribution to the world?”

I trained at the LA LGBT Center and the Southern California Counseling Center, where I studied trauma and EMDR while working with couples, families, and teens. To help singles better navigate the dating world, I became a certified Deeper Dating Coach.

I’m also the author of Gay Dads: A Celebration of Fatherhood (Penguin/Putnam 2003) and have two adult children adopted at birth.

When I’m not doing therapy…

I enjoy running with my dog, hiking, traveling, and playing pickleball. I love watching movies and all kinds of cultural activities. Even though my kids are adults, parenting never ends. I try to see them at least once a month.