Training:

Specializing in individual, couples, parenting and group counseling for adolescents, young adults and their families, I am a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License #085149-1) and Connecticut State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License #10198). I received my Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the Columbia University School of Social Work. Previously facilitated the Young Adult Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Intensive Outpatient Program at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT. Certifications earned include: Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Families (certified trainer), Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (certified trainer), SIFI certified supervisor. Extensive post-graduate training in the following interventions: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT for Prolonged Grief Disorder, SPACE parenting skills, Relational Life Therapy for Couples, Complementary Integrative Mental Health (food-mood connection), Attachment skills building and Attachment repair, The Sanctuary Institute model of trauma informed care, Grief Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Sensory Therapy, Sand-tray Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, "Brain-mapping", Mindfulness Skills-building Executive Functions Coaching and Parent Coaching.

My personal history is infused with using art in the process of growth and healing. Community building through throwing large dinner parties a passion. I am the parent of 3 young adults.

Specialties:

Treatment areas of specialization range from trauma, complicated grief, depression and anxiety disorders (OCD, Eating Disorders, Phobias and Social Anxiety) to managing issues that impair success in attaining goals. Working for many years in a trauma-informed setting with children, adolescents and families has provided me with a strong foundation to address symptomatic behaviors of: emotional regulation, impulse control, social skills development including respectful relationships & dating, and life skills mastery to avoid involvement with negative influences like substances and antisocial actions. Value-based individuation and goal-setting are central features of my practice, the concept and practice of Flourishing. Experiences as a Clinical Director, a Senior Clinician and Group Facilitator in residential and outpatient care settings have informed my belief in the importance of a consistent continuum of care.

Families as Partners

Working with adolescents and young adults in private sessions means working with a family. While confidentiality under HIPPA laws protect everyone, parents are the experts on their own children and will be actively involved in the treatment process throughout. If a minor reveals life-threatening thoughts or actions in session, they will be advised that the confidentiality rule demands disclosure to their family. Parents will receive "coping toolboxes" of new strategies to implement, provide feedback and insight plus evaluate progress toward goals.

Sometimes it will make sense for parents to be enrolled in therapy for coaching instead of the children. After evaluating needs and setting goals we will determine how to reach the goals in the most impactful and quickest fashion.

COUPLES COUNSELING: Sometimes viewed as separate, yet a thriving partnership sets the tone for a family. Relational Life Therapy is the practice intervention I utilize. We aim for creating a partnership of full respect and intimacy as a foundation.

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