LCSW, 25 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Connecticut with over 25 years of experience supporting adolescents and young adults. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut in May 1999 and have worked as a school social worker for most of my career. I have been dedicated to helping young people navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. I find great fulfillment in building strong, supportive relationships with my clients and empowering them to thrive both emotionally and socially.
In our first session, we'll spend some time getting to know each other and exploring what you'd like to gain from our work together. We'll also begin to talk about the specific challenges you're facing. This initial conversation helps me understand your current experience more clearly and allows us to begin shaping a plan that feels supportive and personalized for you moving forward.
With the majority of my career dedicated to working with adolescents, I’ve developed strong relationship-building skills and a deep capacity for active listening. I strive to create a space where young people feel heard, validated, and free from judgment. My approach balances being solution-focused with offering empathy and understanding—because I believe true healing begins with feeling safe enough to be vulnerable and truly seen.
I love working with adolescents because I get to witness firsthand the remarkable changes they undergo as they navigate key developmental milestones. I’m continually inspired by their capacity for growth, insight, and resilience. There’s something truly special about being able to witness their self-discovery during such an important stage of life. It is a privilege I never take for granted. I love working with adolescents becasue I have a front row seat to how much they grow and learn in these significant developmental years.
CBT practices are used widely in the high school setting to help students who not only struggle with anxiety and depression, but who also suffer with motivational issues and self worth. It is used to help students reframe negative thoughts.
CFT aims to cultivate self-kindness, self-soothing, and self-understanding in individuals who struggle with self-criticism and shame. It ncludes educating clients about the nature and benefits of compassion, both for oneself and for others.
Relational therapy is the core of our clinical work with high school students struggling emotioanlly, behaviorally or socially, in that, the goal is to build strong, trusting theraeutic relationships with students in order for them to feel safe being vulnerable and opening up about their struggles. The relationship between the therapist and the students is seen as a model for building healthy relationships and acknowlefing their importance in our overall well-being.