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. Having spent half of my life in a former communist country, I grew up under the influence of propaganda that shaped a distorted view of the world. Through those experiences, I came to understand both the weight of despair and the transformative power of compassion for all living beings.
These early influences made me highly aware of how culture shapes - and often constrains - an individual’s freedom, happiness, and sense of self. This awareness fuels my passion to help people rediscover and expand joy in their lives.
My work aims to illuminate the profound effects of the culture surrounding us. I often liken it to revealing to the fish the nature of the water in their bowl - helping individuals recognize and free themselves from the invisible constraints of mainstream ideals around bodies, eating, and sexuality. Through this awareness, we can embark on a journey toward self-liberation and authenticity, embracing who we truly are beyond society’s expectations.
My goal is to help people feel confident, connected, and fully alive in their bodies - to cultivate a relationship with health and pleasure that is rooted in acceptance rather than judgment. It is an honor to be invited into the intimate world of my clients’ lives. The courage it takes to look deeply within is something to be celebrated. I do my best to nurture and expand each person’s capacity for genuine emotional and sexual connection - the essence of living as a whole, integrated human being.