If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
We can all benefit from having a designated time that is our time to talk about what might be bothering us, how we want to grow moving forward, how we can healthily cope with life stressors, etc.,. Your mental health matters and deserves to be a priority. The only way to truly put your hesitancy at ease is to try it out!
Were there lessons in your professional or academic career that left an impression on you, and how has that informed your work today?
Through my studies and work experience, I realize more and more that the art of conversation seems to be a lost one at times. While talking and listening to one another may seem simple, we often get so wrapped up in other tasks that we forget to offer it to one another. I hope to encourage others to remain present, aware, and connected. Too many individuals experience shame and guilt in regards to their mental health struggles. While we as a society are moving in a more open and accepting direction, there is still work to be done. We are all entitled to our feelings and our struggles are valid. Reaching out for help is the first and most important step one can take to begin challenging the stigma that exists at times in our world. Let's be a part of the solution together!
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I am very much "me" in and out of therapy sessions. I do my best to remain humble, down to earth, and easy to talk to. There are times that conversation may feel deep and heavy and other times it may feel light and humorous. While therapy can be scary at first, it doesn't need to stay that way. I plan to bring all aspects of my personality to this process and invite you to do the same! We as humans are dynamic and experience a wide variety of emotions on a daily basis. The more we are willing to be ourselves, the more we can benefit from this process. I hope to provide a space where you're comfortable doing just that.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
We have all had our fair share of challenges in life and I am no different. My experiences are what led me to this profession and they have shaped me as a counselor and a person in this world. The positive supports in my own life have motivated me to want to have similar impacts on others. My main goal in this field is to align myself with the individuals I work with and create a space worth valuing together.
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.
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.
Substance abuse
Substance abuse is the intentional misuse of a substances (e.g., alcohol, prescription drugs, OTC medications, recreational and street drugs, household chemicals). This may include binge drinking or taking twice the prescribed dose of painkillers. For substances considered illegal and/or extremely detrimental to well-being, using even once may be considered substance abuse. Because of the addiction potential for many substances, abuse oftentimes leads to addiction.
Coping Skills
Coping skills are tools and techniques one can learn, practice, and use to handle difficult emotions, decrease stress, and establish or maintain a sense of internal order.
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.
Bipolar disorder
Characterized by alternating symptoms of depression and mania. During more extreme episodes, depression may lead to the point of suicidal ideation and attempts while extreme bouts of mania are marked by impulsive behavior, lack of sleep, elevated esteem, and even psychosis.
Body image issues
Due to continued exposure to images of “normal” or “desired” body types, people can develop a range of positive or negative emotions about their appearance causing anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
College & graduate student issues
Issues arising from being in a new environment or away from home for the first time. College-aged kids have the highest rates of mental illness, suffering things like stress, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and substance abuse.
Fees
$85
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Strength Based Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Licensure
NY, LMHC, 010695
Education
Master of Science, Mental Health Counseling, SUNY New Paltz
Work History
The majority of my work experience has been spent supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse, legal issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, poor coping, self-destructive behaviors, and self-esteem. While I work primarily with adults, I have notable experience treating adolescents. All of my experience providing individual and group therapy has been conducted at the outpatient level of care.
Location
Highland, Highland, 12528, NY