Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania with over twenty years of experience practicing psychotherapy. I earned a doctorate (PhD) in clinical psychology from Georgia State University. I have worked with clients of various ages (e.g., children to older adults) in a variety of settings (e.g., outpatient community mental health and health centers; outpatient private practices; inpatient units of private and public hospitals; a state psychiatric hospital; and a university counseling center). In addition, I have worked with clients experiencing a wide variety of psychological challenges and concerns, including: mood disorders (depression and bipolar); anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety; obsessive-compulsive disorder; and panic disorder); psychotic disorders; attentional difficulties; impulse control and behavioral problems; substance use and misuse problems; and problems associated with significant stress and trauma (acute-, post-, and complex post-traumatic stress disorders). Additionally, I have assisted clients in targeting specific behaviors, including persistent suicidal ideation or acts of self-harm. I have also assisted people in working on life issues and challenges, such as: grief; shame; adjustment difficulties; stress related to employment, education, or relationships; relationship difficulties; parenting challenges; self-esteem issues; problems related to identity; and experiences of imposter phenomenon.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
As your therapist, I will work hard to be present, listen attentively, and understand your experience from your perspective. I view clients as experts of their experience and work collaboratively with them on goals we've established for making psychological changes to improve their lives. You're brave in seeking therapy to explore and make constructive changes to improve your life. I feel honored and inspired to assist you in this endeavor!
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
While I view therapy through the lens of psychodynamic theory, my therapy style is humanistic and client-centered, in that I am warm, collaborative, and empathic. In this regard, I work hard to be present, listen attentively, and understand a client's experience from his/her/their perspective. In addition, I utilize techniques and strategies from various psychotherapies, including: cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based-cognitive-behavioral, dialectal-behavioral, compassion-focused, emotion-focused, narrative, and humanistic-existential therapies. Specifically, I have found that assisting clients in cultivating the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to be particularly beneficial and therapeutic; and this is done through practice of guided mindfulness meditation.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My strengths are my years of experience practicing psychotherapy; my training in and knowledge of psychodynamic psychotherapy and practice; as well as my eclecticism or ability to integrate techniques from various therapy approaches. In addition, as a therapist, I check the theory at the door, viewing each therapy encounter or meeting as a human interaction of two people, one of whom is trying to help and support the other.