Approach

I am an EMDR-trained psychotherapist who  specializes in the treatment of trauma and recovery.  I will engage you using a psychodynamic, trauma-informed perspective. As your therapeutic ally, I regard you as the expert on your life, while assisting you in determining how to build a future that includes positive coping behavior, healthy and satisfying relationships, and a sense of ease, peace and joy.

My approach is tailored to your individual needs, however, I  utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing techniques when appropriate and am trained extensively in the principles of motivational interviewing and harm reduction techniques which I use in conjunction with a psychodynamic therapeutic approach which is grounded in ego relatedness and relational theory.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapeutic technique proven effective at treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Harm reduction and motivational interviewing are evidence-based practices which have proven effective in behavioral health settings, especially for clients coping with substance use and/or risky behavior.   A psychodynamic approach emphasizes the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist, and it is from this relationship that healing begins.

Additionally, I have completed training in functional behavior analysis technique and intervention, which is particularly useful for assisting clients who are interested in targeting specific unhealthy behavior that they would like to change (behavior modification).  My approach is strengths-based, collaborative, and always centered on my client.

Education

I earned  a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2004 from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX.  I took some time off in between undergraduate and graduate school to gain work and life experience.  I moved to New York City and worked in industries including psychiatric research, social services, and law.  I returned to school and graduated from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College with my Master in Social Work in 2013.  I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Experience

My unique experience includes providing individual and group psychotherapy to people coping with trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, schizophrenia, risky sexual behavior and STDs, gender-identity and sexuality, severe behavior disturbances, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, I have extensive training in harm reduction, behavior modification and sexuality education.

I also sub-specialize in providing sexuality education to adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).  I further provide training and consultation to family members and staff who support loved ones with ID/DD on how to support sexuality growth and development.