As a gay child growing up in the midwest, I endured years of bullying, ridicule, and humiliation. As an adult, my work with a good therapist was key in helping me to re-cast my self image, accept and value myself for who I am, and transform the way that I interface with the world at large. So profound was this work that it moved me to become a psychotherapist myself. --  J. Tamarkin

I am a graduate of Antioch University Los Angeles and New York University, and in addition to my private practice, I’ve worked in outpatient clinics that utilize talk therapy in conjunction with medical management to help clients with relationship issues.  Through my experience in these clinics I have discovered that psychotherapy can be of service to the client in a myriad of ways that may not be apparent in the initial stages of the work.  It is by working together that we can develop strategies uniquely targeted to address your particular concerns.

Whatever those concerns may be, I have found that when one has a therapist to help in analyzing and understanding issues, and to genuinely listen to and validate them, a strong healing environment can be created.  My primary goal as a psychotherapist is to create this environment of healing.  When working with me, you can be sure that I will strive to see the world through your eyes, and provide you with a safe environment in which to explore solutions.  In time, this will foster a broader perspective and help you achieve your goals.

I work with adults and adolescents in the community at large, and have particular experience working with LGBT individuals.

My focus on the gay community includes work specific to same-sex relationships, including issues of discord and unresolved negative emotions, depression, neediness, and co-dependency.  I also specialize in helping gay professionals in the film, arts, and music communities to navigate the uniquely turbulent world of the creative individual.