Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School
Financial Wellness
Money is emotional. Whether you’re pursuing financial independence, approaching retirement, navigating sudden wealth, or simply overwhelmed by financial anxiety — the psychological dimensions of personal finance are real, significant, and often overlooked.
As a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in behavioral change, I bring a uniquely rigorous, evidence-based approach to financial wellness coaching. I understand the specific stressors of the FI/RE (financial independence/retire early) community, high-earners navigating burnout and golden handcuffs, and those managing the emotional weight of accumulated wealth.
You can hear more about my approach on ChooseFI episode 573: Cognitive Behavioral Tools for FI.​
Why a Psychologist, Not Just a Coach
Most financial wellness coaches come from a finance background. I come from clinical psychology, which means I understand not just what behavioral changes to make, but the psychological mechanisms (cognitive patterns, avoidance behaviors, emotional regulation, and values-based living) that determine whether change actually sticks.
My approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), adapted specifically for financial stressors.
What I bring to our work
I understand that the specific concerns and stressors for people working toward financial independence. My financial wellness coaching approach is tailored to address these specific needs and circumstances. I bring the following skills and experiences to our work:
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Confidentiality and Discretion: Everything discussed is protected. You can speak openly about specifics — wealth, family dynamics, specific numbers — that you might not discuss with people in your social circle.
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Financial Literacy: I am familiar with FI/RE concepts, estate planning, early retirement transitions, ‘one more year’ syndrome, tax psychology, and the emotional weight of sudden or accumulated wealth.
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Evidence-Based Techniques: CBT, ACT, MI, and MBSR — rigorously adapted to financial stressors and individual goals.
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Stress Management: A personalized toolkit for on-demand and daily practice — including mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and relaxation techniques.
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Network of Referrals: I work alongside a network of professionals and can refer you to financial planners, estate attorneys, and other specialists as appropriate.
A strong alliance built on trust and mutual respect is essential for successful outcomes. I work to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can openly explore your concerns and work towards achieving your personal and professional goals.​
Common issues related to financial wellness:
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Finding purpose and identity beyond income or career
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Managing financial anxiety — including compulsive checking and ‘tinkering’
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The ‘one more year’ syndrome and difficulty with the retirement decision
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Boredom, social isolation, and loss of structure after retirement
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Navigating family dynamics around wealth, inheritance, and estate planning
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Coping with market uncertainty and psychological reactions to volatility
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Golden handcuffs — staying in unfulfilling work due to financial incentives
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Relationship dynamics and dating when wealth is a factor
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Burnout and the difficulty of truly disconnecting
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Sleep disruption tied to financial stress
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Replacing unhealthy financial coping strategies with effective ones
Disclaimer
Financial wellness coaching is not a substitute for therapy or counseling, and is not treatment for mental health conditions. I am not a financial planner and do not provide financial advice. Coaching is available to clients in all 50 states. If you are located outside Massachusetts or Florida and need therapy, I am happy to provide referrals to qualified colleagues.