You deserve more than a therapist who just nods and takes notes.
Why I “get” High-Achievers: Therapist, Coach, Investor. Therapy Rooted in Experience, Not Just Empathy
While I work with clients from all walks of life, I specialize in therapy for high-achievers, especially start-up founders, entrepreneurs and creatives. I strongly connect with this group for several reasons, some of which started in my childhood.
First off, prior to moving to Roseville (for love :->), I had already built my practice in Beverly Hills, one of the most competitive markets for therapists imaginable. Good luck trying to spill a drink there without hitting a therapist! The first year my office phone did not ring once. It took tons of grit, determination and creativity to finally see my practice thrive.
Beyond my practice, I have backed more than 20 companies as an angel investor and participated in several follow-on rounds. As an investor, I cherish staying informed about their progress and providing support, feedback and even occasionally a helpful connection from my network to the founders.
What I learn about founders as an investor informs my work as a therapist and coach because I witness the struggles from different angles.
Ready for therapy or coaching that gets your struggles and drive?
The Paradox that sparked my passion: How my past shapes my work with you
I grew up in Germany watching my parents build a successful company. I remember the courage it took to take that leap of faith and have my Dad quit his well-paying job. For a while, we thrived on the thrill of success and financial freedom.
But, I also remember the dark side. My parents, who grew up partially orphaned during World War II, were very traumatized, unhappy people who would have never dreamed of going to therapy. Deep introspection and self reflection was alien to them and my older brother and I paid a steep price for that growing up.
This paradox between so much success and unhappiness sparked my initial passion for psychology.
I understand that one can both be brilliant and successful while also really struggling. Trauma often works in disguise showing up as burnout, perfectionism, volatile relationships, anxiety, depression or addiction.
Puzzled why your professional success sometimes feels like a hollow victory?
Degrees, Diplomas and What really matters!
While the proper education and training is essential for any therapist, knowing what to say, when and how to your benefit cannot be taught in school. I know….shocker!
Whether you choose to work with me or not, I urge you to look beyond impressive degrees from fancy schools when choosing your therapist and instead pay attention to how it feels to talk to this person across from you every week and more importantly how you feel after. Because only a strong therapeutic connection makes true transformation possible.
Having said that, I completed a Pre-diploma in Social Psychology at The Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, a Bachelor of Psychology at Antioch University, Los Angeles and a Masters of Psychology from The California Graduate Institute, Los Angeles. Lastly, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. For a hot minute, I wanted to become a neuroscientist so I took neuroscience classes at UCLA during my undergraduate studies and even volunteered in a lab there for the summer. Also, I am fluent in German.
I truly appreciate that you reached out. You’ve been one of the best investors we have in terms of raw encouragement and I’m very grateful for that.
–CZ
Thanks a lot for always being there to support us. It really means a lot to me. I want you to know how grateful we are to have you as a backer. Seriously, you’re the best!
-FC
Thank you for getting me through one of the hardest times in my life (…) I am happy and healthy and things are good in life. I just wanted you to know how much you meant to me in my life.
-JW
Thank you for getting me through one of the hardest times in my life (…) I am happy and healthy and things are good in life. I just wanted you to know how much you meant to me in my life.
-JW
My Approach: Intuition, Insight, Depth & Direction
My approach is rooted in clinical psychology, attachment science, developmental psychology, primal theory and behavioral economics. I work hard to keep up with the latest developments in my field trying to weed out the fads (so many, so little time) from true advancements.
Let’s not try to sweep a tsunami back with a broom.
Over nearly 20 years, I’ve helped people of all ages and from all walks of life. I’ve also coached clients from major tech companies, including Google, Meta (Facebook), LinkedIn, Reddit, and Tesla.
I am also trained in:
If you’re ready to take the next step, please book a consultation or request an appointment today!
