Licensed to practice in New York and accepts 10 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Life Transitions and 10 more.
New to Grow
I'm a licensed clinical social worker who values creating a warm, open, and non-judgmental environment. I believe in allowing you to lead at your own pace and place great importance on collaboration when determining areas of focus, potential goals, and next steps. While affirmation and validation are crucial, I also like to gently offer differing perspectives and ask questions you may not have thought to ask yourself. I specialize in supporting young adults navigating their way through life, individuals of any age who feel stuck or unable to quiet their mind, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sometimes therapy can feel a little like detective work, where we join forces to examine the evidence, figure out the root of the issue, and decide how to proceed. There is so much to learn about a new client, their inner world, and their outer world, and our first session serves to begin sorting through that important information. I use an intake packet to help guide the conversation but am always prepared to jump to whatever topic you see fit. My focus is on getting to know you and what's important to you, along with your strengths, supports, history, and vision of where you want to be a year from now.
My sessions emphasize feeling heard and understood before collaborating on any potential next steps. Because anything must be fully understood before deciding on the best path forward. For those without a specific goal in mind who would simply like a space to talk, I've found that sessions are a place where information is sorted and clarity is reached. Sometimes all it takes is the right question that you haven't thought to ask yourself.
I am best positioned to serve teenagers and young adults who are navigating their way through life. I've excelled in tackling issues surrounding interpersonal relationships, professional stress, setting boundaries, and finding one's place in the world while handling change. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety by exploring ways to quiet the mind and feel more confident in managing whatever situation may pop up. I have also successfully worked with clients experiencing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which involves gradually and thoughtfully facing situations and breaking the cycle of ritual response.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, for those who find it helpful, by identifying the thoughts and feelings that arise during situations and challenging those thoughts that might not be so useful or true. CBT is a very active approach that involves practicing skills, close collaboration in determining goals, and providing feedback on what works and what doesn't.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) is a future-focused method that believes you possess the strengths and skills necessary to overcome challenges. This approach builds on those already existing skills and identifies times in which you've successfully handled tough situations in order to replicate the success.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention is the gold standard treatment method for obsessive-compulsive disorder and various anxiety disorders. It involves thoughtfully confronting the situations that cause distress and actively choosing not to engage in the natural urge of rituals or avoidance. The goal is to break the cycle and show that one can successfully tolerate anxiety, which decreases its power. It requires strong support from the therapist and strong collaboration in determining how and when to engage in this practice.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a non-judgmental approach that emphasizes empathy and self-determination. It explores areas of your life in which you may have thought about making changes and delves into the pros and cons of making those changes. The goal of MI is to objectively examine intrinsic motivation and barriers to change.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a method that focuses on adjusting your relationship to unwanted thoughts or feelings by stepping back, noticing those thoughts, and giving yourself grace rather than trying to fight them. ACT believes these negative thoughts and feelings are part of the human experience and they do not need to drive your life. It also places a heavy importance on your values and the way in which you want to live your life.