LP, 45 years of experience
Because sleep quality is critical to physical and mental health I am passionate about helping people get good sleep. I received my PhD from Duke University and have been a practicing psychologist for many years. I work primarily with behavioral sleep medicine because sleep problems are so widespread and there are not enough specialists to meet the need. I continue working with people with anxiety, depression, and couples issues. The methods I use are evidence-based and trauma-informed. I am also an ordained member of the clergy (rabbi) and consider one's spirituality an important part of treatment for many, though not all, people. I’ve practiced telehealth exclusively since early 2020. Most people like working this way because of convenience. Therapy is not adversely affected and I am even able to do hypnosis via telehealth.
We begin by exploring what brought you to therapy and how the issues affect your life. If poor sleep is an issue, we discuss current and past sleep and begin to create and implement a treatment plan. Often, when we fix sleep, other issues become easier to address and make therapy go more quickly.
I have broad experience in treating a variety of mental health issues. And because of my experience, I can draw on a wide array of treatment methods and techniques. One of the most important things I've learned over the years is to pay attention to the person in front of me and listen to their story.
I help people with insomnia, co-morbid insomnia & sleep apnea (COMISA), circadian sleep-wake phase disorders, and nightmare disorder, I also assist with tapering and eliminating sleep medications. I see people who want to address anxiety and depression as well as couples hoping to resolve their conflicts. Sometimes, hypnosis is an important tool for addressing issues, especially for those who have suffered trauma.
I’ve practiced CBT for decades and have published research in the area. I now specialize in treating sleep disorders, though I continue to see people for depression, anxiety, couples issues and do hypnotherapy. I received training in CBTi at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and participated in dozens of trainings in behavioral sleep medicine. I have also received training in CBT with hypnosis and CBT for nightmares. In addition, I am a certified telehealth practitioner and certified in clinical trauma treatment.
I am a certified clinical trauma professional and have dealt with my own personal traumas.