About
Only I can change my life.
No one can do it for me.
~Carol Burnett
No Fame no Blame. This is a partnership of healing!
Individuals and Couples that experience a warm and nurturing relationship with me have at times told me, “You stink!”
Not music to my ears but… This is usually during the time the person is experiencing the most Resistance, Growth, and Change!
Most of the time, based on having a strong therapeutic relationship, we work through this – and the person or couple grow, as they are able to successfully work through conflict or resistance in a supported environment. This results in real change to life outside of my office.
I can take it because I know what it requires to get to the other side. I wholeheartedly believe in Recovery and Change.
Learning to cope is the first step.
Initially, we build healthy coping skills or strengthen existing coping skills.
As you are feeling stronger and symptoms stabilize, we will then explore deeper. We move in this direction so that you have the coping skills to manage the emotional vulnerabilities that are exposed in therapy.
This pattern of therapy is effective due to the trust we build in managing your symptoms as well as decreasing frequency and intensity of negative emotions. This allows you to feel confident in your ability to manage as you begin to address deeper issues and allows you to reach for and achieve larger goals.
Being part of a changed life is a blessing.
Clients and personal friends or family members will ask me, “How do you listen to people who are miserable or depressed all the time?”
I quickly respond, “How often do you get to see people make life-altering changes at your job? How often are you inspired by another’s determination and commitment to change?”
It is work getting there, it does exist, and I get to be a part of it.
About
Experience was my best teacher.
As a young social worker, I was fortunate to have diverse experience, including working with the mentally ill and chemically addicted population in NYC homeless shelters, the community mental health program that focused on the LGBTQ population in Chelsea, and the emotionally disturbed and mentally ill children in the Bronx.
Returning to New Jersey as a seasoned clinician, I began working in an Intensive Outpatient program for mental health and addiction.
My undergraduate education at Kean University and the Master’s graduate program at Fordham University provided me with extensive knowledge and an advanced skill set that benefits me personally and professionally.
However, I believe it is my diverse work experience that has taught me that a therapist’s greatest asset is the ability to build a meaningful relationship with the client and then apply the chosen treatment approach.
My space is inviting and intimate.
I love my boutique style office, which is warm, inviting, comfy, and cozy. It lends itself to sharing private and intimate life experiences.
Sometimes, there is a lazy therapy dog in my office. When she comes to work, she likes to remind me who is the boss!
I opened my private practice almost 10 years ago, and I am still excited to go to work. Well most days anyway… because I am human.
Life is full outside of work.
When I’m not working, I enjoy fun with close friends and family.
My favorite season is summer! I love to vacation in warm weather locations. As for cold weather activities… let’s just say I do it for the love of family!