Ramblings about the system

Mental and emotional health care has become incredibly expensive—out of reach for most people. And even when therapy is available, one hour a week often isn’t enough in a world this fast paced and overstimulated. I’ve seen this firsthand, both as a psychologist and as someone in recovery. Years ago, I entered rehab for heroin addiction with insurance—but after just 17 days, my coverage ran out, and I was discharged with a clean bill of health. I was lucky. Community support helped me stay sober. But not everyone has that kind of help.

That’s why, while living in California, I started my practice: This Moment: Be Your Own Therapist—where I help people help themselves by integrating therapy skills into their everyday lives.

In addition to therapy, I create simple tools that are both affordable and accessible. One of them is a mindful alternative to doom scrolling called the Focus Frame—a pocket-sized, glitter-filled frame with interchangeable cards that help people manage stress and reclaim their attention.

Another is InTune, a practice where people meditate with their favorite songs. Everyone listens to music—so why not build on that habit with some practical mental and emotional health strategies?

When I first moved back to Cleveland I ran a bunch of donation-based weekly classes at Larder, where I invited practitioners from around town to teach accessible, skill-based practices.

At the heart of it all is a simple belief: mental and emotional health support doesn’t have to be complicated or exclusive. People just need simple adaptable tools to help them be their own therapists.