Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)tools & techniques in conjunction with other psychodynamic skills, my patient-centered, relationship-building approach has had positive outcomes with a wide spectrum of people from those simply needing a short-term helping hand adjusting to changes in their lives to people who desire longer-term support and tools to help maximize functioning & potential. Always working from a strengths perspective & improving communication skills, I firmly believe in instilling each individual with the sense that our work together is about identifying & growing their skills, strengths, positive traits & tailoring the work to their individual needs. Beginning our relationship in the present, addressing the "How" RIGHT NOW ("How do I control this anger? How do I function with these feelings of sadness & anxiety? How do I cope with what is happening in my life?”) & helping the person return to baseline functioning, allows us to process "WHY" (Why do I feel or act this way? Why can't I let do of the past?"). This approach puts the onus on the person to decide if returning to their baseline of functioning is where they complete our relationship or if they want to further explore their history & its impact on who they are now. Focusing on the positive & communication skills are the foundation of our work together. For those that may need medication to achieve stability during our relationship, I work closely with a local psychiatrist.
Relocating to the beautiful Charleston/ Low Country area in early 2008 fully licensed with 8 years of schooling, training & practice in N.Y,C., the last 2 years I have been privileged to work in several settings, including MUSC's outpatient clinic in Mt. Pleasant, and I have assisted individuals, couples & families in crisis . Future goals include reaching the "worried well", bringing each person's spirituality into the work as a tool for growth & leading groups, each with their own focus.
Specialties:
Inculude but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, OCD, alcohol/substance abuse, anger management, self esteem issues, childhood trauma, communication & coping skills, trauma, sexual abuse, relationship problems, bi-polar disorders, dually diagnosed/MICA, work-related, coping with aging, retirement, new parenthood, "control issues" --- and many more which I have studied and worked with in the past and currently.
Additionally, I can administer the MMPI-2 Personality Test and present a written professional interpretation and report. This test is one of the few psychological tools that remains permissible in a court of law.
Prior experience includes:
Staff Therapist at Medical University of South Carolina: out-patient clinic; Mt. Pleasant, SC
Staff Therapist at Bridge Back to Life, Inc: out-patient Substance Abuse clinic, Brooklyn NY
Psychotherapist at Post Graduate Center for Mental Health, NY, NY
Prior to returning to school I spent 15 years at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, several years in Banking and at Merrill Lynch; I completed all my schooling, except for my final year of graduate school, while continuing to work in the business world: juggling work, internship and classes.
Education:
Hunter College School of Social Work - M.S.W., 2003 (including 2 years of internships working in the field)
Hunter College - January 1998, B.A., cum laude, Psychology Major, English Minor
Space here does not fully allow me to include a full history or the full range of skills I bring to you, however, I would be glad to meet with you briefly to discuss If I might be the right person to assist you. You usually try on more than one pair of shoes before buying a pair so speak with a few therapists before choosing one. I would rather you worked with someone else if you feel it would be a better fit for you. To that end I offer you a free 30-minute consultation.
Think well. Be well!
BlueCross/BlueShield/Medicare/Medicaid among other insurances accepted