(she/her)
New to Grow
I provide individualized, compassionate mental health care in a safe and nonjudgmental space. I work with individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of challenges, and I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable being open and understood. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in 2007 and completed my Master’s Degree in 2008 through their Advanced Standing Program. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Connecticut in 2011. I have also completed specialized training through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) in the areas of sex, love, and pornography addiction, including the impact on both the individual and their partner.
I want to recognize that you have taken a potentially difficult first step to start looking for a therapist. It takes courage, commitment, and insight to begin therapy and you should be proud of yourself for taking this step. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I’ll ask about your background, what’s bringing you to therapy, and what you’re hoping to get out of the process. We’ll begin to identify your goals and discuss how we can work together to support them. Just as importantly, this is a space for you to ask questions. I strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment from the very beginning.
My therapeutic approach varies based on each individual's needs and goals. I think taking pieces of various different evidence-based methods provides a broader and more rich therapeutic process that meets people where they are in that particular moment versus a cookie cutter approach. I go to various trainings throughout the year to stay up to date and learn new techniques to incorporate into my practice. I also feel like it's important to validate that I certainly don't know everything, but I am willing to listen to your experiences, conduct research, and learn.
I want to recognize that you have taken a difficult first step looking for a therapist. It takes courage, commitment, and insight to begin therapy and you should be proud of yourself. For those who have chronic illnesses it is important to advocate for yourself and your medical care, but it can feel exhaustive going to providers that "don't get it". At times it can certainly feel as though you may have lost your voice along the way, but I hope to provide a safe space in which to discover that voice once again. I am knowledgeable about Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), spinal cord stimulators, intrathecal pain pumps, as well as other medical issues. Just because I have knowledge of medical conditions, doesn't mean I know how it presents for you; but I want to know. If you have conditions that I am unfamiliar with, I am willing to learn. Having chronic illnesses can and often does touch every part of your life. I completed specialized training through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) in the areas of sex, love, and pornography addiction, including the impact on both the individual, their partner, and the couple. Sex addiction does not discriminate, and it works like other addictions. Over time there are changes to your brain chemistry and neural pathways. Sex addiction is not based on how often you are doing a behavior, but how your quality of life is affected. Does the behavior hurt you/hurt someone else (emotionally, physically, sexually, financially)? Have you tried to stop or cut back? If you answered yes, that's worth exploring. My overall focus is to help people heal, build a toolbox, and build on their powerful inner strengths.
Motivational Interviewing
I use motivational interviewing within my practice as a collaborative partnership to discover your reasons for seeking out therapy and what goals you hope to accomplish and empower you along the way. This involves asking open ended questions, listening with empathy, and determining a plan to make and sustain changes to help you work toward and accomplish your goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
While I am not specifically certified in CBT, there are instances where I utilize some CBT techniques learned through continuing education to help interrupt/change specific behaviors.
Attachment-based
Learning attachment styles and how these attachment styles can impact our behaviors and daily lives can be extremely helpful and provide insight.
Couples Counseling
Couples therapy (and individual therapy) can be extremely important if a partner or spouse has been told or discovered that their partner has a sex addiction. This can be a very important process when deciding if the couple is going to stay together or separate.