Exploring the intersection of philosophy and therapy

“What does it mean to do therapy and to do it well?”

This is a question I’ve had reason to reflect on often during my life.  When going through my training program in counseling, I remember feeling somewhat unique in the fact that my interest in therapy stemmed primarily from failed therapeutic relationships (though it might be fair to say, with where I find myself now, that in the end those therapists offered me exactly what I needed).  Through a handful of therapies that seemed to peter out before they’d even begun, I ultimately came to the stubborn conclusion that the formalized space of the consulting room had little to offer me, instead choosing to pursue a path towards self-discovery through an impassioned exploration of the world of novels, poetry, philosophy, and whatever psychological literature I could find that resonated with me. 

It was through this process that I eventually discovered the paradigmatic structures of psychoanalytic and existential therapy, and the penetrating insights they provide about what it means to exist in relationship with oneself, the world, and other people.  Eventually, through a combination of trial and error, dumb luck, and purposeful maneuvering, I found myself with the good fortune of discovering a community of mentors, colleagues, and peers with whom I felt a deep sense of kinship and connectedness (as well as in more direct contact with some therapists who fortunately knew what it meant to do therapy well).

The intention behind this space is two-fold.  Secondarily, the site is meant to be a place to advertise the services I offer related to my therapy practice.  But more so than that, my hope is to use the space to write, think, and work through various problems and concerns related to these two theoretical orientations, as well as other related schools of philosophy and psychotherapy.  I have always valued the process of writing and the contemplative opportunities it provides for developing and refining one’s own sensibilities.  I hope that others enjoy what they find here.  And I especially hope that for anyone not yet exposed to these ways of divining the nature of being, that this site offers the same burst of inspiration to move deeper into the works of the many philosophical and psychoanalytic thinkers I will likely be citing in the words to come.

I provide therapy in-person to individuals and couples in Cambridge, MA and the surrounding area at my office in Harvard Square.  I also provide telehealth to those who reside in Massachusetts and who, for whatever reason, may find it difficult to make it to my office.  Furthermore, I have begun to explore the possibility of offering supervision to those interested in learning how to apply theories related to existential philosophy and psychoanalysis to the work of therapy.  If based on what you’ve seen here you are interested in either option, please reach out to me and we can discuss an initial consultation, insurance options, and my fee structure.