Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

What to Expect from Our Sessions Each session with me is designed to create a warm, supportive environment where you feel heard and valued. We start by laying a strong foundation in our first meeting, known as the intake session. The aim is to understand your unique needs and build a safe space for your personal growth. Our First Session Together In this part of our meeting, we’ll gently go through the forms you’ve filled out, including your medical history and any specific areas you wish to address. This helps me understand your experiences and how best I can support you. Discussing Your Reasons for Therapy This is a time for you to express what brought you to therapy. Whether it’s a particular concern, emotion, or goal, you are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. If you're unsure about where to begin, don't worry—I'll guide the conversation with care. Setting Goals Together We’ll explore what you hope to achieve through our sessions and set meaningful goals to guide your progress. This collaborative approach ensures that your therapy is tailored to your personal aspirations. Addressing Your Questions Your comfort and understanding are paramount. Please feel free to ask any questions about the therapy process, what to expect, or anything else you might be curious about. I'm here to make sure you feel informed and at ease. Building a Supportive Foundation The first session marks the beginning of our collaborative relationship, where we start to establish trust and mutual respect. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous, but rest assured, I am here to walk alongside you. Reaching out for support is a courageous first step, and I understand that taking this step requires strength and vulnerability. I want you to know that I care about you, your needs, and your privacy. Thank you for considering me to be a part of your healing process.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I genuinely care about your well-being and will help you identify practical skills to help you deal with anxiety, grief and loss, and an array of other concerns. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach,and together, we will find the solutions that work for you. Beyond my work with clients, I have spent the past two decades teaching at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels. This experience in academia has allowed me to refine my knowledge and share it with the next generation of therapists. I have published textbooks and mainstream self-help titles, contributing to the broader discourse on mental health and wellness. These areas of specialization are not merely theoretical; they are informed by my personal and professional experiences as well as the countless stories of resilience and healing that I have witnessed over the years. While my academic and professional credentials are important, I believe that the strongest qualification I bring to my practice is my own lived experience. Like most humans, I have faced multiple losses and trauma, which have imbued me with a compassionate and empathetic lens through which to view others' struggles. Most importantly, I understand how hard it can be to ask for and receive help, especially when you are a healthcare professional and/or caregiver for others. I earned a doctoral degree in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree in social work from Widener University, and bachelors degrees from the University of Delaware and West Chester University, in nursing and social work, respectively. In addition to private practice counseling, for over 25 years I have worked as a mental health professional/social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Salvation Army, as well in non-profit community mental health, child welfare/adoption, hospice, and drug and alcohol treatment settings.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I genuinely care about your well-being and will help you identify practical skills to help you deal with anxiety, grief and loss, and an array of other concerns. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach,and together, we will find solutions that work for you. I earned a doctoral degree in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree in social work from Widener University, and bachelors degrees from the University of Delaware and West Chester University in nursing and social work, respectively. In addition to private practice counseling, for over 25 years I have worked as a mental health professional/social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Salvation Army, as well in non-profit community mental health, child welfare/adoption, hospice, and drug and alcohol treatment settings.