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What made you want to become a therapist?
From an early age, I’ve always felt a strong connection to helping others. The women in my family were all healers and helpers, and I feel a deep ancestral connection to that tradition. Growing up in Soviet Russia, and then witnessing the massive societal changes the country went through, I saw firsthand how the lack of competent and trustworthy mental health services affected people. It had devastating consequences on both personal and societal levels. My own personal challenges, like losing a parent and navigating life as an immigrant and mother, gave me an even deeper understanding of how essential support truly is. I believe we all need someone in our corner, and a therapist can be that person.
What client population do you prefer to work with?
I work with a wide range of clients, including adults, children, and teens. Each group brings its own unique challenges, and I enjoy tailoring my approach to meet their specific needs. I have a special connection with Russian-speaking immigrants and refugees, as I deeply understand the cultural and emotional challenges that come with displacement. My focus is on providing trauma-informed care to all my clients, helping them navigate the complexities of their experiences with compassion and understanding. I’m particularly passionate about supporting parents and caregivers, as I believe they often lack the support they need, especially in the early stages of a child’s life.
What modalities do you prefer to utilize?
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s needs. Some of the modalities I incorporate include narrative therapy, art therapy, feminist therapy, Internal Family Systems, CBT, and logotherapy. I believe in adapting my approach to best support my clients on their unique journeys. In the future, I’m interested in learning EMDR to deepen my work with trauma.
What does a first session with you look like?
In our first session, we’ll focus on cultivating hope—hope that things can be different. I’ll create a safe, authentic space where you’ll feel my presence and genuine interest in your experience. We’ll begin exploring your unique story and the beliefs you hold about yourself and others. I’ll challenge you, but always with compassion, to break down barriers and bring unconscious patterns to light. It’s about creating a foundation of acceptance and understanding that will allow us to move forward in a way that feels real and meaningful for you.
What do you want potential clients to know about you?
I believe that therapy is about making real, authentic contact. I want my clients to feel truly seen and understood, and together, we’ll explore the truths—both comfortable and uncomfortable—that shape your experience. I’m here to challenge you in a compassionate way, helping you uncover outdated patterns, understand your unique needs, and build your capacity to handle life’s complexities. Above all, I want you to know that we’re in this together, and that the process of discovering who you are is something to be celebrated, not feared.
How do you practice self-care in your personal life?
Self-care for me is about finding balance between body, mind, and spirit. Rituals can be a great way to incorporate self-care into our day and make it a regular part of life—whether it’s something as small as my morning meditation or a simple act like preparing a meal with intention. I believe that anything and everything can be turned into a ritual, and that sense of mindfulness helps me stay grounded. Nature also plays an important role in my life. Even if I can’t get outside, I find ways to connect with it, whether by soaking in the sunlight through a window or caring for a plant.
I also believe in the importance of play, which is why I take clown classes. It’s a joyful, lighthearted way to remind myself not to take life too seriously. And, having meaningful conversations with my grown children about everything and anything is one of my favorite ways to connect and recharge. Those deep talks always bring me a sense of fulfillment and joy.
What brings you joy?
What brings me the most joy is celebrating the little moments in life and finding ways to incorporate play into my daily routine. As adults, we often forget how essential play is for growth and learning, so I make time for it—whether I’m tinkering with an art project or making a regular dinner feel special by adding a touch of magic. I also find immense joy in human connection, especially through meaningful conversations with my children.
For me, joy is about savoring the journey, not just rushing toward a result. Wherever you are on that journey—whether you’re struggling, growing, or healing—there’s value in each moment. That’s why therapy is so incredible. It’s all about connection: making authentic contact with another person and sharing the human experience, which brings a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.