
I completed my psychiatric training at Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, Texas and my psychoanalytic training at the Center of Psychoanalytic Studies, in Houston. In addition to my private practice, I am a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, and I am on Faculty at the Houston Center for Psychoanalytic Studies. I also received advanced training in the treatment of trauma through the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
Prior to becoming a psychiatrist, I trained in Nephrology in Romania and France, and in Internal Medicine in the United States. While practicing as an internist, I became increasingly aware of the negative impact of mental distress on a large variety of medical conditions, and of the positive impact of psychological wellbeing on my patients' coping with medical illnesses. My lifelong interest in human psychological experience determined me to pursue further training in psychiatry. Given my extensive training and experience, I can be a valuable resource for many patients.
As a psychiatrist, I am committed to providing individualized treatment to each of my patients, integrating their physical, psychological, cultural, and spiritual experiences in the healing process. I enjoy working with individuals interested in understanding themselves and improving their relationships, and I collaborate with other specialists and therapists in helping patients with complex medical and psychological needs.
Some of my areas of interest and expertise are psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, spirituality and psychiatry, cultural issues, work-life balance, relationship problems, depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, aging, psychosomatic disease, and psychological distress caused by medical conditions.