My Approach

I approach the therapeutic relationship from a “whole person” perspective - meaning that we will understand what is going on in both your mind and body.  I am also attuned to the way that aspects of your identity inform you as a person.  These can be areas such as:

• Race

• Ethnicity

• Gender

• Sexuality

• Class

• Ability

• Religion

• Age

I hold the deep belief that each individual has something important to offer the world, and that despite our struggles each of us can find meaning in our own lives.  In our work together, I will help you discover the inherent wisdom inside of yourself that will guide you to a more authentic, enriched, and satisfying life.  While facing one’s own personal obstacles can be challenging and requires work, our process together will be enjoyable, interactive, and uplifting too.

My counseling style is warm, collaborative, compassionate, non-judgmental, and curious.  My therapeutic approach puts our relationship as client/therapist at front and center, and I am committed to exploring your life with you as deeply as you are ready and willing to go.  While talking through problems is essential in our work together and will help you gain insight, I also incorporate several other evidence-based, clinically proven approaches that enhance the therapeutic process.  Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and other somatic approaches operate at deeper level than traditional talk therapy and can lead to more permanent changes in the brain.  You can read more about these treatment approaches under the "therapeutic approaches" section of this site.

In addition to my work as a therapist, I am passionate about social justice and understand the ways that systems of oppression and discrimination can leave traumatic imprints on the human mind.  In my work as a therapist my purpose is to help people heal individually, with hope that as we progress as individuals, we can move toward a more just, peaceful, and loving society.  

I serve clients in New York City metropolitan area (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Long Island, Westchester County) as well as throughout the entire state of New York via telehealth.

If you are interested in learning more or seeing if we might work well together, please call or email me for a free 20 minute phone consultation.

My Background
 

I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University with a concentration in substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.  I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certified in New York State.

Prior to my private practice, I was a Faculty Member at Columbia University in their Psychiatric Day Treatment Program.  Before that I worked as a Primary Therapist and Outreach Coordinator at the New York Center for Living.  In both of these settings I provided treatment for adults, adolescents, and elders struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, and addiction.  I have also worked extensively with significant others, family members, and caregivers of people who struggle with these issues.

I received post-graduate training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  I am also trained in Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches.  

I teach at NYU as an adjunct lecturer in their post-graduate Addiction Program.

Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in the creative arts as a writer, musician, and performer.  My personal creativity informs my therapy practice and I enjoy working with people in the creative arts.