Meet DrZ
My journey in psychology began in Chicago, where I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD). After completing my degree, I followed a long-held dream of moving to San Francisco - a city that felt aligned with my values, my curiosity, and the kind of clinician I wanted to become. I completed my postdoctoral residency here and have spent more than sixteen years with Kaiser Permanente in roles ranging from adolescent substance use treatment to health psychology and eating disorder care. I now also serve as a clinical supervisor for psychology residents.
My private practice is where I do my most meaningful work. I support individuals ages 11 and up as they explore identity, sexuality, intimacy, body image, and emotional wellbeing. My interest in this work is deeply personal; as someone who has navigated divorce, parenting, and the lifelong process of finding belonging in my own skin, I understand how complicated it can feel to show up fully as yourself.
Outside the therapy room, nature is my grounding place. I’m an animal lover, and I recharge by rock climbing and paddleboarding in Tahoe; spaces that remind me of resilience, presence, and the joy of being fully alive.
These experiences shape how I practice. I bring warmth, curiosity, and real human connection to my work, helping clients reconnect with themselves and live with more authenticity, courage, and clarity.
My Story
From a young age, I have been deeply sensitive and attuned to others around me. I grew up in a former communist country, immersed in a culture shaped by propaganda and rigid norms that distorted how reality was understood. Through these early experiences, I learned how profoundly culture can shape perception; defining what is considered “normal,” who belongs, and who is left striving for acceptance.
Living within those constraints made me acutely aware of how cultural forces can limit individual freedom, happiness, and one’s sense of self. That awareness has become the foundation of my work and fuels my passion for helping people rediscover and expand joy in their lives.
Much of my work centers on illuminating the invisible ways culture influences us. I often say that we are frequently unaware of culture’s impact, much like a fish is unaware of the water in its bowl. Helping individuals recognize and loosen themselves from these unseen constraints, particularly around bodies, eating, sexuality, and identity, is at the heart of my practice. I support people in moving toward self-liberation and authenticity, embracing who they truly are beyond society’s expectations.
My goal is to help people feel confident, connected, and fully alive in their bodies. I am committed to supporting individuals so they can cultivate a relationship with health and pleasure rooted in acceptance rather than judgment. It is a profound honor to be invited into the intimate worlds of my clients’ lives. The courage it takes to look deeply within deserves recognition. I strive to nurture and expand each person’s capacity for genuine emotional and sexual connection, the essence of living as a whole, integrated human being.