My approach to health draws from biologic, psychologic, social and spiritual perspectives. Though separated below, in any healing process they never are.

BODY
My biologic perspective is guided by my background in conventional psychiatry, as well as the growing scientific studies on the micro-biome (specifically the microbes that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract), epigenetics, and the role of nutrient deficiencies and nutrient overloads in mental illness.

An alteration in the natural microbiome can follow exposure to antibiotics, hormones/steroids or other medication, being born by c-section, diet, and stress among other things. This disruption can lead to increased permeability of the gastrointestinal tract, autoimmune reactions, nutrient deficiencies and exposure to toxins or neurotransmitter-like substances released from opportunistic microbes. The result can be an array of physical and psychiatric symptoms. The goals of individualized nutritional approaches are to correct the imbalance of gastrointestinal microbes, heal the gut, replace nutrient deficiencies and restore health.

There is growing research, as well, into the role of genetics and epigenetics (the study of changes in individuals caused by modifications of gene expression, rather than the genes themselves) and brain functioning. These genetic vulnerabilities can result in nutrient deficiencies or even nutrient overloads that specifically affect the brain. The goal of individualized nutrient protocols which come out of the work of Dr. William Walsh is to normalize the levels of nutrients and thereby decrease or eliminate symptoms. Such treatment approaches are not in opposition to medication and can be used in conjunction. Relative to medication, however, nutrient protocols are based on an individual's unique biochemistry and have fewer side effects. For some who are on psychiatric medication, a lowering or even discontinuing of medication may be possible after a period of stability.

HEART/MIND
My psychological (and social) perspective is guided by my training in psychodynamic individual therapy, family therapy and attachment theory. Prior to closing my previous practice, I sub-specialized in treating children with disturbances of attachment – many whose earliest years were spent in international orphanages or foster care. Those children taught me that much of the way we experience ourselves, others and the world is shaped in our very beginnings – those early moments which we don't recall. With their families, those children taught me about resilience, hope and that experiencing trusting relationships is essential to our health and humanity.

In recent years, I've studied and taught in the community about Happiness, or Positive Psychology – the study of the strengths of individuals who are thriving. I also advocated for children and taught about child-targeted marketing and the impacts of media and marketing on the developing child/human.

SOUL
No less important to me has been my interest in archetypes and spirituality. I believe that each of us, regardless of our belief system, has a need for meaning and purpose that fit with our unique abilities, strengths and passions. "Why am I here?", "What is it that only I can give?" and "Are my choices congruent with my deeply held values?" are questions worth grappling with as we pursue fullfillment.