If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
People come in with preconceived notions about what therapy is and what happens in the session. I tell my patients that it is their session and whatever they want to talk about is what we talk about. I believe all therapists want to help each individual be the best that they can be. My wish is that each person who may be hesitant to try it would give it a chance and invest in themselves because they deserve it.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
One thing I learned in grad school was that you have to be yourself as a therapist. I can’t pretend to be someone I am not. What you see is what you get, and the more open I am the more comfortable my patients feel to be themselves. I’m often told I am real and down to earth. Being genuine and honest is necessary to develop a strong alliance.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
I grew up in an abusive and neglectful home. I witnessed and experienced unspeakable things. I knew it wasn’t healthy even as a child. My brother committed suicide, and my goals have been to prevent others from suffering his fate. I know the pain of being a survivor, and this has given me passion for helping others. I know from personal experience that therapy works and am dedicated to showing others this and giving them hope and a safe space to talk about private things. I’m often told things that my patients have never shared with anyone, and I feel honored to hear their stories.
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.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
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.
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by persistent instability in relationships, extreme emotional reactions, and chronic fear of abandonment. People with this may also tend to be moody, experiencing a lot of high highs and low lows.
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.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
Fees
$150
First Session
$150
Couples Therapy
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Eclectic Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
CPT, CBT, ACT, ART, EMDR, DBT
Licensure
NY, LCSW, 081742
Education
MSW, Social Work, Syracuse University
Work History
I’ve worked in both inpatient and outpatient clinics serving those suffering with mental health problems including depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders and ineffectual coping. My personable, yet straightforward and honest approach, is what my clients say they like best about me. They also like my practical and realistic approach toward life. I’m able to easily build rapport as I have a genuine interest in hearing your story and a compassionate nonjudgemental approach. My patients often tell me they trust me and feel safe to share their thoughts and experiences.
Location
Remote Therapist, Watertown, 13601, NY