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ABOUT ME

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I am a licensed mental health therapist (and social psychologist) who specializes in several areas:

  • Relationship & Family Conflict  -  There is little more foundational to life than relationships.  We are wired for attachment and bonding, but the reality is that relationships are not always easy.  Whether parent/child, intimate, or extended family relationships, we often fall into roles, patterns, and styles of communication that can be hard to change.  I help clients understand their attachment styles and bring to awareness what they expect and give to their significant relationship partners. 

  • Trauma and the effects of trauma  -  My journey in learning about trauma started long before I was a professional in the field. However, once I committed myself to learning about the immediate and long-term effects of trauma - on the brain, the body, and our emotions - my philosophy on how to treat many conditions changed drastically.  Specifically, learning about the ACEs study and the ways in which early life trauma affects us into adulthood was, for me, like putting on a new pair of glasses. I have done trainings, research, teaching, and speaking at professional conferences in this area.

  • Life transitions and getting "unstuck" - the stress of everyday life takes its toll on every aspect of our lives and can drain you of energy to get even the smallest tasks done.  We can talk about envisioning more for what you want in your life and do creative exercises to help figure out where you are struggling - sometimes it just isn't clear.  Transitions can include: getting in or out of relationships, deciding on a career or job change, moving, change of role or status in the family, and more. 

  • Motherhood/Fatherhood, Peri-natal, and Post-natal Issues  -  There is perhaps no steeper learning curve than the journey into parenthood.  For new parents especially, the role can come with little preparation, various levels of resources and support, and surges of emotions. 

I am also a professor of psychology that brings over 16 years of experience in the field to my work with clients.  I am a perpetual student; I love learning and exploring new ways that can help my clients crystalize their own goals for what they want in life and move toward that path.

Formal Education:

  • Ph.D. in Social Psychology, University of Connecticut

  • M.A. in Social Psychology, University of Connecticut

  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Molloy College

  • B.A. in Psychology and Women's Studies, Stony Brook University

  • Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies

Professional Certifications:

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training, Level 1 and Level 2

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 (in progress)

  • Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Level 1 and Level 2

  • Post-Graduate Certificate in Parent Education and Parent Guidance

  • National Board Certified Counselor

Additional Training and Workshops:

  • IFS Online Circle, IFS Coaching

  • Drama Therapy and Internal Family Systems

  • IFS for Parenting; IFS and Play Therapy

  • Family Interaction Cycles

  • Parent-Child Conflict Interventions

  • Disarming the Narcissist training

  • Schema Therapy training

  • Creative and Embodied Approaches to Trauma Treatment

  • Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy

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