The time for change is now. 改 善

As a behavioral health care specialist with extensive experience, I am able to diagnose and treat a wide-range of psychological disorders, as well as provide help for a variety of occupational, relational, and existential issues. Specific areas of interest include anxiety disorders, somatic symptom disorders, and dysfunctional interpersonal patterns. 

I provide an integrated treatment that incorporates the best available research with my clinical expertise to address your behavioral health needs. A psychotherapeutic treatment can diminish symptoms, build resiliency, develop more adaptive coping skills, and cultivate greater self-awareness and acceptance.

Athletes often experience psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, obsessive thoughts, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and restrictive/binge eating. They also must cope with injuries, burnout, overtraining syndrome, cyberbullying, and life transitions such as retirement.  

Historically, such symptoms and issues were seen as signs of weakness, and the mental health of athletes was neglected. Now, it is recognized that mental health is as critical as physical health, and clinical interventions can promote athletes’ psychological well being. Given the complex diagnostic challenges that can occur with athletes, my clinical background aids in making an accurate diagnosis and creating an effective treatment plan. 

For most athletes, the difference between effective performance and underperformance is determined by psychological factors. Despite the importance of these factors, athletes receive minimal instruction about mental skills. The idea seems to be that highly motivated, focused, resilient athletes are born, not made. This is inaccurate. One can learn how to compete.  

As the lead designer of “ACE the Competition” – an evidence-based mental skills primer for athletes – I emphasize improving control over one’s attitude, concentration, and effort. In particular, managing frustration; coping with stress/pressure; focusing on the present moment; and fostering intrinsic motivation.

I specialize in treating “role shock.” This is the psychological reaction experienced when someone transitions into a new professional role. In particular, elevation to a managerial position. While such a promotion usually brings initial excitement, many people lack core managerial skills. This can lead to significant stress, feeling inadequate, imposter syndrome, and poor managerial practices (e.g., micromanaging, avoidance).

Treatment involves developing specific cognitive functions and managerial skills. For example, how to: establish/maintain schedules; become/stay organized; make decisions; conduct a behaviorally-anchored performance evaluation; provide constructive feedback; create an evidence-based hiring process to identify suitable job applicants; and navigate organizational dynamics.