I hold compassion for those who struggle with OCD: The persistent, unwanted, unpleasant thoughts, the sometimes paralyzing anxiety, the compulsive actions, rituals, ruminations, avoidances meant to neutralize the thoughts. I also have an understanding of how often OCD can be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and the shame and stigma sufferers sometimes feel. Most of my work involves helping people gain control over their OCD and process traumas including interpersonal abuse from friends, family and coworkers (sometimes related to OCD, unfortunately), adverse childhood experiences, and bullying -- past or present. I also work issues related to OCD, such as body dysmorphia, eating disorders that intersect with their OCD, emetophobia, social anxiety, generalized anxiety. I am currently licensed in Florida (MT 4081) and in California (MFC 103044) and accept telehealth clients through a secure HIPAA compliant video platform. In addition to OCD and anxiety treatment I provide support to people coping with chronic illness, self esteem issues, grief and loss. I welcome neurodivergent people -- many of my clients are autistic or have tic disorders or ADHD diagnoses in addition to some of the other issues detailed above.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I am an eclectic therapist, employing various modalities, tailored to a client's needs. People have described me as client-centered, caring, empathic, supportive, a good listener, a good synthesizer of information disclosed. I am very motivated to help you tame your OCD "beast," to help people see positive results and regain their lives, after months, and sometimes years, of wrong diagnoses and inappropriate treatment. It sometimes takes 17 years or more to get an accurate OCD diagnosis and I hate to hear of people suffering for so long with OCD when help is available. I am also motivated to help you work through past traumas, especially interpersonal traumas, narcissistic abuse and bullying, in a stigma free environment.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
In treatment i use various forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and these include ACT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I also employ a psychodynamic approach considering a person's family systems past and present. I am also trained in various trauma modalities including Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), EMDR. I hold a certificate as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and have completed training in the treatment of eating disorders. This is because some of my clients have eating disorders concurrent with their OCD. But eating disorders are not my main focus. I am able to collaborate with eating disorder specialists or work with those who are currently in ED treatment or work in areas where OCD and ED intersect.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I also hold a graduate level certificate in clinical art therapy and like to employ creativity in my sessions as many of my clients are creative souls.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with adults from college age to senior citizens struggling with OCD, anxiety, BFRBs, social phobia, grief and loss, chronic illness, trauma from bullying, abuse, adverse childhood experiences, PTSD