In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
My personal struggle with depression and anxiety very much influences my work with clients. I believe I am able to emphasize on a different level, because I have been a client myself.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
There is still so much stigma around mental health issues. I have seen improvement, especially with the pandemic: people seem to be more open about struggling and more willing than ever to engage. But, I think there is still this shame and secretive nature for many people when it comes to seeking professional help for their mental health.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
I wish people would realize that the therapist is also human, with flaws and problems of their own. They are not there to judge you- they genuinely want to help and even though it’s scary to open up, participating in therapy can make such a tremendous difference in your life.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
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.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Fertility Issues
Infertility is often emotionally painful and in some cases leads to intense grief. Affects both men and women and can cause serious strain in relationships, leading to anxiety or depression.
Pregnancy, perinatal, & postpartum issues
Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum issues entail any real or perceived problems or difficulties stemming from the childbirth experience. Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum experiences are stressful in many positive and negative ways while the physical body experiences immense stress. Situations vary but may be remedied through therapy and support.
General Expertise
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Fees
$99
First Session
$100
Family Therapy
$100
Couples Therapy
$50
Group Therapy
$99
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Group Session
Retreats
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Employee Assistance Specialist - Clinical Certification
Licensure
NY, LMHC, 004774-1
Education
Master of Science, Mental Health Counseling, University of Massachuetts: Boston
Work History
I completed my graduate internship at an area college counseling center, and my first professional therapist job was at an urban mental health clinic. There, I worked with clients who had severe mental illness and faced other challenges such as substance abuse and poverty. After 3 years in the clinic, I gave birth to my son and took a year off to be at home. Then, I opened my own practice (10 years ago). I work with mostly middle class clients in a suburban area. The issues that are most frequent, and therefore specialties of mine, include: anxiety, depression and grief/loss. I have also been fortunate to work with women at all stages of their motherhood journeys. I specialize in women/couples facing infertility issues and new mothers with postpartum mood disorders and anxiety.
Location
48 S Main Street, Box 216, Churchville, 14428, NY