What excites you most about the evolving mental health landscape?
I am most excited about the ability to provide therapy to persons who may otherwise not receive services. This evolving mental health landscape is allowing people to engage in therapy in spaces that are most comfortable for them, and at times that are most convenient for them.
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
I view trust as a key component in a therapeutic relationship. It is my job as a therapist to create a safe environment for my clients. This foundation should allow for a trusting relationship to develop. Once a client trusts me, we can work together to reach the client's goals.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
My life experiences have given me first hand proof that you cannot judge a book by its cover. I’ve learned that everyone struggles with something, and we could all benefit from support and a safe space to be ourselves, flaws and all. I have worked with people from all walks of life. This has helped me to develop empathy, and this empathy has pushed me to enter every therapeutic relationship with an open mind.
Specialties
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that is precipitated by a perceived terrifying event. This event need not occur directly to the person but may happen vicariously—having seen something terrible happen to another person. The condition may last months or years while symptoms include ruminating thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety when triggered, and potential substance abuse in attempt to cope.
Stress
Distress stems from a subjective perception of something being unwanted, undesirable, or detrimental to your wellbeing. Excessive stress significantly impairs mental and physical health and is associated with many diseases and conditions.
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
Parenting issues
Parenting issues involve those associated with the child-rearing process. These may include safety, discipline, nutrition, finances, childcare, school, household rules, chores, daily routines, social activities, and relationships with extended family members. Because child-rearing practices vary by culture, cultural norms must be considered.
Step-family/Blended Family Issues
Step-family or blended family issues issues may include overcoming loss from a previous family situation, establishing a familial bond, setting boundaries, enforcing new rules, adjusting to relocation, learning to communicate in healthy fashion, finances, and household roles.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
In-Network Insurance
Aetna
All Savers Insurance
Nippon Life Insurance Company of America
Optum
United Healthcare
United Medical Resources
Fees
$125
First Session
$150
Family Therapy
$150
Couples Therapy
$125
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family Systems Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
Functional Family Therapy
Certified Family Trauma Professional
Licensure
NJ, LPC, 37PC00704800
Education
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Johns Hopkins University
Work History
In my career I have worked with families and at-risk youth conducting in-home court ordered family therapy. I have also worked with individuals and couples facing a wide-range of stressors as an outpatient clinician. I enjoying helping my clients navigate life transitions.