Plantago Psychotherapy LLC

Do you find yourself acting in ways that you do not want to? Do you struggle with painful emotions, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness? Do you sometimes feel hopeless about the future or even think about dying? Do you find relationships difficult? Do you often feel alone, look down on yourself, or wonder who it is you really are? These, among others, are symptoms I often encounter. They are not comfortable and may feel overwhelming, but they also can be a starting point to a path of self-discovery and growth. Choosing to start therapy means setting off on a transformative journey through the mind. I employ an approach informed by Lacanian Psychoanalysis, focusing on the unconscious mind with an emphasis on its manifestations in language as well as thoughts, emotions, dreams, fantasies, and symptoms. I also use a variety of other techniques as needed, including CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. In the course of our lives, we are often faced with troublesome patterns that seem to follow us around and get in the way of our peace, joy, freedom, and loving relationships. There are plenty of skills and behaviors that can be learned to address these patterns. However, therapy also has the potential to delve deeper and to shake the foundations of the psychological structures that underpin these problems. This process can lead to profound change. But for it to be possible, the relationship with your therapist must be a very special one of witnessing, safety, and compassion, as well as creativity and innovation. Parts of yourself that are hidden and unacknowledged are welcomed into the therapy room without judgment. It is only from a space of total acceptance that change can arise. DIVERSITY/WHAT IS A PLANTAGO? I have done clinical work for over a decade with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds including communities who have experienced structural disadvantages; people of color, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, etc. I welcome all with an attitude of humility, knowing that every individual is unique, and is the only qualified expert on their own experience. Plantago Major, or the broad leaf plantain, is a common weed brought to the Americas by European settlers. In “Braiding Sweetgrass” Robin Wall Kimmerer* refers to the plant as “white man’s footprint” a name given due to its propensity to follow behind these human foreigners. Unlike many invasive species however, this plant does no harm, and moreover is useful as food and as medicine. “Its strategy was to be useful, to fit into small places, to coexist with others…to heal wounds.” This is an apt botanical metaphor for ideal psychotherapy. I am an outsider in your world and I intend to be humble, unobtrusive, and helpful for your growth. *Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer. Milkweed Editions, 2014. SCHEDULING, FEES & PAYMENT I am currently available for Telehealth appointments Monday 11am-7pm and for in person appointments Friday 9am-6pm. Fees are listed below. I offer a sliding scale in situations of financial necessity. I am currently accepting only private payment (however private payments can sometimes be partially reimbursed by insurance companies). 
If you wish to pay using insurance, please contact me with your information and insurance plan, and I will put you on my waiting list.