Who I Work With
Life can present us with a myriad of struggles and we each react to these struggles both uniquely and generally.
Children & Adolescents
In children and adolescents natural developmental changes can seem unsettling and confusing. If compounded by relationship issues with peers, parents, and teachers it can result in anxiety and depression for the child as well as the parents or caregivers. Often children and adolescents dealing with anxiety and depression are the result of family issues, negative body image, confusion about their place in their world and other negative feelings. In children and adolescents sometimes these struggles can manifest in more than just depression and anxiety but through thoughts or actions of self-harm and phobias.
Adults & Couples
In adults and couples the struggles might be different. Depression, anxiety, unspoken trauma and unrevealed negative feelings can take their toll on a marriage, a family and the individual. Thoughts and feelings can affect the perception of ourself in a negative way and manifest in a variety of unhelpful thoughts, moods and habits. The painful consequences of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and rela
My Approach
I specialize in treating adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and mood and personality disorders. My approach is informed by Humanistic and Existential Therapy, Attachment Theory, and principles of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. I specifically use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to address negative thinking, compulsive behaviors and phobias.
Whether it is working with couples, adults, children or adolescents my approach is always the same, to meet the patient where they are through compassion and honesty. I believe in being direct but supportive and void of any judgment or condescension. This approach allows for the formation of a strong therapeutic bond between myself and couples, families or individual clients and lays the foundation for the transformative process to begin to take shape. My clients have shared that they are often surprised by how comfortable and easy our work together can feel. As clients feel more comfortable, they are more able to explore the deeper reasons for seeking therapy, they are more able to articulate what changes they wish to make, and then together we are more able to build effective strategies to help clients attain the lives they want. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we work as a team to treat the issue.
My Background
I received my Undergraduate Degrees in English Dramatic Literature and Theatre from Wheaton College in Massachusetts. After undergrad I pursued a career in Film and Television Production and Writing. I lived in Los Angeles where I got married and started a family while working as a television writer. Although I had achieved my dream of writing for T.V. I was left feeling empty and incomplete. After much reflection I realized I needed a much more spiritual and personally fulfilling career helping others. I decided to leave television and pursue a career in psychology and therapy. I received my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with a Specialization in Children and Adolescents from Antioch University Los Angeles. I did my post graduate clinical work at Family Service Agencies in Los Angeles and Connecticut where I worked as a school based therapist in the day while seeing adults, couples and families in the evening. I am currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist seeking full licensure in the spring.