MY BACKGROUND AS A THERAPIST

I have been providing mental health care since 1989 in both inpatient and outpatient settings, treating individuals, couples and families for a variety of mental health problems. My professional training and background is as a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Addictions Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I also have a strong background in Alternative Holistic Healing Therapies from mind/body practices, energy psychology, body-based therapies, holistic health, process work and spiritual practices.

As a therapist I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches and am able to integrate psychotherapy with alternative healing modalities to support psychological growth in the best way possible for each individual’s particular needs. I have a diverse clinical background and broad range of therapeutic experience, which has given me an understanding of the importance of applying the most appropriate therapeutic interventions as well as assisting clients to utilize a variety of healing therapies. My therapeutic approach is guided and informed by family systems work, psychodynamic theory, transpersonal psychology, holistic healing therapies and addictions treatment. This means that I pay close attention to intergenerational/family of origin factors, intrapsychic functioning, personal values, the connection between the mind, body and spirit and the presence of self-destructive behaviors. I assist individuals to grow into deeper self-awareness, more peaceful interpersonal relationships, better self-care and an ability to take greater responsibility for shaping their lives according to their needs and values. (See Approach to Therapy for more specific information)

CONSULTATION
Navigating the many approaches to therapy and the variety of mental health professionals can be an overwhelming task when seeking help for a particular problem. I believe it is important to find the "right/best" fit between client and therapist to best address people's problems. In order to assist people in the this process I offer a reduced fee consultation session to determine if my skills, approach to therapy and specializations is the best fit for you. I also encourage people to call (267) 303-4189 to discuss thoughts, questions and concerns. If my skills do not address the particular problem you are seeking help for I provide trusted referral sources.

I also offer psychoeducational groups for the following problems: Depression, Anxiety, Recovery from an Eating Disorder, Weight Loss and Weight Management and Psychological Growth for Women in Recovery from an Addiction. You often can use your insurance with a minimal co-pay to attend a 12-week intensive program (groups start every three months) to assist you in addressing these problems,learning the best therapeutic techniques from both psychological perspectives as well as alternative healing practices. These groups are an excellent way to augment and support individual therapy.

• Well versed in a variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques
• Diverse training and background
• High retention- clients stay and report significant change and development in their lives
• Ability to integrate and utilize alternative healing practices into psychotherapy in order to maximize therapeutic gain
• Committed to a holistic understanding of people's problems
• Broad clinical background which allows for good assessment and understanding of peoples problems and application of the most helpful and appropriate therapeutic approach