FAST FACTS
Areas of Specialty:
- Parenting in general
- Parenting the anxious child
- Parenting the highly sensitive child
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders
- Relationship and Intimacy Issues
- Trauma and PTSD
- Mindfulness Training and Life Transitions
Therapeutic Modalities:
Intensively trained in the following evidence based therapies:
- ACT Therapy
- CBT
- DBT
- DBT-PE, CPT and Trauma Therapy
- Mindfulness Based Therapy
Education:
Masters in Social Work from Barry University | Miami, FL | 1986
Masters in Special Education from the University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | 1981
Who I am
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 35 years and have a home-office private practice in the heart of Redding, Connecticut. My marriage of almost 40 years and three adult children have provided me with real life experience in parenting and maintaining healthy relationships. This further enhanced and informed my professional work. My early work in Special Education also provided me with a unique knowledge base and educational point of view to understand children and the school system.
What I do
My approach to therapy focuses on meeting a client where they are and working with them through an eclectic approach. I draw upon a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field designing an evidenced-based approach for each individual client. My goal isn’t to “fix” people or their relationship imperfections, but rather to provide clients with a stronger foundation and the tools they need to more confidently address the challenges unique to their lives. I help clients identify their long-term values as a guide to creating a meaningful life. Working from a strength-based perspective and helping build a reservoir of skills that help clients achieve what they want.
How I do it
My therapeutic style is engaging and dynamic with an emphasis on being non judgmental. I work well with those who are skeptical about therapy as well as those who are eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work. I am not afraid of difficult conversations or difficult situations. I am curious and interested in helping clients solve their often complex problems. I hold strong spiritual beliefs as we deal with deeper issues of why should I change and what’s my purpose in life. I leave no stone unturned, I step into the challenges, and I work very hard with my clients. I have tremendous respect for the hard work of showing up to therapy. My clients have my utmost respect as they step in the door to do therapy with me. I bring my optimism, my humor and my real self to each session. I balance the validation and acceptance with clients with the belief and strategies available to help clients change. I do consider myself a change-oriented therapist.