(she/her)
New to Grow
With 38 years of experience, I’ve seen it all—from quiet rural towns to the toughest streets of Harlem and the South Bronx. I don’t just bring clinical theory to our sessions; I bring real-world perspective. I specialize in helping people navigate the weight of Bipolar Disorder, depression, anxiety, and deep grief. I also have a heart for women navigating the complexities of morbid obesity, providing a space free of judgment where we focus on the person, not just the scale. My background in impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods has taught me resilience, and I’m here to help you find yours. We’ll work together to untangle life’s hardest moments with honesty, humor, and a lot of heart.
Think of our first session as a low-pressure "get to know you." We’ll chat about where you are, where you’ve been, and where you want to go. My style is direct but warm—I want you to feel like you’re talking to someone who actually understands the reality of your life. We’ll set the foundation for a plan that feels doable, not overwhelming.
My greatest strength is my lived experience. After nearly four decades in the field and living in every environment imaginable, I’m not easily rattled. I offer a "no-nonsense" yet deeply empathetic approach to mental health. Whether we are tackling chronic mood disorders or the unique societal pressures faced by women regarding their weight, I provide a grounded, street-smart perspective that helps clients feel truly seen and understood. I typically throw in some humor; laughter is the best medicine. The type of therapies I work with the most are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Management (MBSM), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have started to study Internal Family Systems. This theory and practice did not exist when I was in graduate school. I love learning. I am very excited to learn new practices/skills that can support my clients in their journey of self-discovery.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
A summary of this therapy is: What you think and how you behave infuence your mood. If you want to feel and do better, you must think and behave differently. Many other therapies are based on this method. This is where we can start to understand what needs to change. The questions I ask and the insights you gain in session or doing work between sessions will result in the changes you seek.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Sometimes I think this is the toolkit we needed when we left home. It starts with a premise that I wholeheartedly support, that a client does not fail in therapy; the therapy fails the client. DBT, a method that assists people in developing balance with their emotions, tolerating their distress, and being effective in their relationships. All of this is done by developing mindfulness in our daily experiences. I actually use the theory and method in all that I do.