Issues Unique to Lawyers, Doctors, Executives, Entrepreneurs, and Engineers/Tech Workers:

I specialize in working with issues unique to lawyers, doctors, executives, entrepreneurs, engineers/tech workers, and high profile individuals/couples including unrelenting work pressure, perfectionism, sexual dysfunction, substance misuse, "Imposter Syndrome," and inability to find work/life balance.

Lawyers: In a study of almost 13,000 lawyers, 21% qualify as problematic drinkers, 28% struggle with depression, and 19% struggle with anxiety. 75% of the lawyers in this study did not answer the section on drug use despite answering all of the other questions. Research shows that before starting law school, law students are usually physically and mentally healthier than the general population. Law students generally begin law school with a sense of self and their values intact.  hey consume less alcohol, use less illicit substances, have less depression, and are less hostile than their counterparts. Law school shifts the focus from the internal (where one's personal values are a driving force) to the external (where things like status, comparative worth, and competition are valued). This can lead an individual to graduate from law school with depression, anxiety, hostility, and decreased life satisfaction, which often is exacerbated when they enter a hyper-competitive, demanding, and status-based workforce.

Doctors: Nearly 400 physicians die by suicide each year. Practicing medicine is a rare privilege that requires discipline, dedication, and may involve sacrifices including unrelenting pressure, inhumane working hours, and brutal competition. Compassion fatigue is also a real phenomenon. While doctors across America encourage their patients to share their mental health concerns with them, studies show that doctors are less likely to seek mental health treatment for those same concerns. In a study of more that 2,000 physicians, nearly 50% believed that they met the definition for a mental illness at some point in their career, but had not sought treatment. Two-thirds reported the fear of stigma kept them quiet. Part of the reason is a concern that others may doubt their ability to keep up with a demanding profession. Another factor is that many states require physicians to report any mental diagnosis to their state licensing board. Doctors feel a sense of duty to represent wellness to their clients and this can come at a cost to their own well-being.

CEOS/Executives/Entrepreneurs: In 2016, a study by psychiatrist Dr. Michael Freeman identified the relationship between entrepreneurship and depression. This study found that many of the personality traits found in entrepreneurs -- creativity, extroversion, open mindedness and a propensity for risk -- are also traits associated with ADHD, bipolar spectrum disorders, depression, and substance abuse. CEO's and top executives also share many of these traits: intelligence, charming, extraordinary coping skills. But the orientation to action that so distinguishes them can also work spectacularly against them when problems arise, preventing them from getting help or even recognizing they need it. In the business world, where your biggest asset is your brain, the stigma is magnified.

Engineers/Tech Workers: A recent study revealed that between 42% and 48% of University of California, Berkeley, Ph.D. students in science and engineering are depressed. Many engineers/tech workers move to tech hubs for work and are subjected to a combination of long work hours, financial concerns, and "Imposter Syndrome," which contribute to stress, depression, and low self-esteem. Women and minorities in particular struggle with feeling like they are undervalued and excluded. Women are also often underdiagnosed with conditions such as ADD/ADHD and Autism.

High-Profile Individuals/Couples: Being in the spotlight has a unique set of challenges. The pressures of constant attention, expectations, and high stakes decision-making, combined with frequent travel and long work hours, can take its toll on one’s mental health and relationships. It is tough being a big shot. I get it. I get you.

Therapy: Therapy is individualized based on the presenting problem and treatment goal. Cognitive therapy, mindfulness, somatic, narrative, and acceptance-based techniques will be utilized based on the individual's needs and preferences.