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If a problem is relational in nature, couples therapy may be the most powerful means of resolving it.  I take every measure to be fair to all involved and adopt a positive and strength-based approach to help the couple reach their goals.  Some commonly-held beliefs about couples therapy that may in fact be harmful are mentioned below:

• One misperception about couples therapy is that it should only be sought if the individuals are planning to stay with each other.  It is true that many couples find new strength in their relationship and restore their commitment during couples counseling.  Others may realize that the relationship cannot be mended and instead, they find amicable and civil ways of separating without harming anyone.
• Some couples delay therapy because they intend to resolve the problems on their own.  Even though admirable, this approach runs the risk of making the problems chronic and more difficult to treat.  My suggestion to couples is that if issue does not get resolved informally, or if it is recurrent, or if it leads to arguments and shouting matches, it needs to be brought up with a qualified professional.
• Another mistaken view is that couples therapy is saved for married individuals and that dating couples are not candidates for it.  In reality, unmarried couples who value their relationship can also derive great benefits from this type of work.

In order to be on the cutting edge of the science and art of couples therapy, I have completed two years of post-graduate training at the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis focusing specifically on couples.

As much as we may like for all people in the family to get along, this may not materialize for many of us.  Even though some family members or relations may appear to be beyond repair, there are often ways of conducting oneself differently in the family that improve things for everyone.  I find working with families gratifying and take from psychodynamic and systems theories to structure the process.  A yearlong training in Postgraduate Program in Bowen Family Systems Theory and its Applications has given me solid foundations of principles operating in family environments.

I have conducted presentations and trainings in the field of mental health for many years for a wide range of audience from general public to organizations and universities.  Some popular topics are:

• Stress and anxiety
• Anger and aggression
• Motivation and frustration
• Improving relationships
• Dealing with conflict effectively
• Communication skills
• Parenting

One of my great passions is to train the next generation of mental health professionals.  I supervise the clinical work of pre- and post-doctoral psychology trainees as well as psychiatric residents using both experiential and theoretical methods of supervision.  My current supervisory affiliations are with the George Washington Doctor of Psychology Program and Saint Elizabeths Hospital Psychiatry Residency Training Program.  I have done a one-year specialty training at the Washington School of Psychiatry in clinical supervision.