I am a Ukrainian-born therapist-in-training with a lifelong passion for psychology. Though my journey into mental health wasn’t straightforward, it’s deeply personal. For years, I pursued a career in finance, believing it was the path to success and fulfillment. I thought I was living a happy life, but societal pressure had pushed me into a mold that didn’t feel authentic. The stress and constant pressure finally culminated in my first panic attack, followed by a severe episode of OCD that left me utterly defeated.
Through years of therapy, healing, and self-discovery, I emerged stronger, with a profound appreciation for life and a renewed sense of purpose. Leaving my finance career behind, I stepped into the field of mental health to help others navigate their own “dark nights of the soul.” I aim to empower individuals to become their happiest, healthiest selves, unlocking their potential for growth and transformation on every level.
In my work, I use evidence-based approaches tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. My favorite interventions include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), where we explore and challenge unhealthy beliefs and thought patterns that hold you back. I also take a trauma-informed approach, understanding that past experiences shape our behaviors and thoughts, often on a subconscious level. To treat anxiety and OCD, I employ Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), which help rewire the brain's response to fear and intrusive thoughts. These tools are backed by science and offer lasting change by utilizing the brain’s neuroplasticity—what fires together, wires together, as the neuropsychologist Donald Hebb famously said.
And if you’re a Harry Potter fan like me, you might appreciate this: I often think of mental health struggles as Dementors, sucking away joy and energy, leaving us feeling powerless. But just as in the Wizarding World, there’s a way to protect yourself—the Patronus Charm! In therapy, evidence-based interventions, the therapeutic alliance, and empathy work like your Patronus, empowering you to fight back against the challenges that feel all-consuming. Together, we can work to summon your happiness and create a safe, fulfilling future.
