Hi, I'm Rachel.
Originally from New England, I've called New York home for the past 25 years and now live and work in Brooklyn. If you come into the office on a Friday, you'll also meet my dog, Cashew, who has become a favorite part of many clients' visits. Cashew is usually curled up on the rug and snoozing while we talk.
I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable enough to be yourself. My goal is to create a space where you don't have to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. You can show up as you are, and together we'll make sense of what's been feeling difficult.
Many of the people I work with are navigating moments of transition or uncertainty. Some are young adults adjusting to life after college or building careers and relationships. Others are managing anxiety, burnout, or perfectionism that has slowly become overwhelming. I also work with new parents adjusting to the emotional changes of parenthood, and adults who have recently been diagnosed with ADHD and are learning to understand themselves in a new way.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and curious. I won't simply sit quietly and nod—I actively engage in the process with you. Together we'll explore patterns that may no longer be serving you, develop a deeper understanding of your emotions, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My hope is that therapy helps you feel more connected to yourself, more confident in your decisions, and more capable of living the life you want.
I've been in private practice for more than 15 years, working with adults and adolescents. I earned my degrees in Social Work and Public Health from Columbia University and began my career at Mount Sinai's Adolescent Health Center. I completed my psychoanalytic training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and have advanced training in hypnotherapy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and executive functioning. I currently serve on the faculty of the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center, where I continue to teach and stay engaged with the evolving field of psychotherapy.
Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or returning after time away, I know that reaching out can feel like a big step. I'm committed to making the process feel welcoming, collaborative, and grounded in genuine curiosity about who you are—not just what you're struggling with.
Therapy isn't about having the "right" things to say or arriving with everything figured out. Each session is an opportunity to slow down, talk about what's been on your mind, and begin making sense of the experiences, emotions, and patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Some days we'll focus on what's happening in your life right now; other times we'll explore past experiences that continue to shape the present. Together, we'll work to better understand your inner world and find new ways of responding to life's challenges.
My approach to therapy is grounded in four core principles:
how i work:
Building a Strong Therapeutic Relationship
Therapy begins with creating a space where you feel comfortable being yourself. My goal is to build a relationship rooted in trust, curiosity, and collaboration, so you can speak openly without worrying about being judged.
Understanding Your Story
We'll explore both what's happening in your life now and the experiences that have shaped you. Looking at the past isn't about dwelling there—it's about understanding how it continues to influence the present.
Recognizing Patterns
Together, we'll notice the thoughts, emotions, and relationship patterns that may be keeping you stuck. As these patterns become clearer, you'll have more freedom to respond differently instead of feeling like you're repeating the same cycles.
Creating Lasting Change
Insight is only valuable if it leads to change. As you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, you'll be able to make more intentional choices, strengthen your relationships, navigate challenges with greater confidence, and build a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.