(he/him)
Hi, I'm a LCSW psychotherapist, living in New Jersey with licenses in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Michigan. I'm also registered in New Jersey as Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I got my MSW at Rutgers University and have 18 years of clinical experience. In the past few year, although not exclusively, I have increasingly worked with LGBTQ clients and adult survivors of child abuse.
Obviously in the first session we'll have a few moments to introduce ourself and initially identify the issues that have brought you to therapy. We won't develop a plan of action in that first session; there just is not enough time in a singleConn therapeutic hour to accomplish that; but you should leave our first session with a lighter mood and a sense of hope.
Connecting with my clients; therapeutic relationship. I have a very good retention rate and clients come back to me after years away with other therapists. I seem to have lost none of that through the transition to online therapy.
I love working with LGBTQ clients of all variety, but particularly enjoy working with mid-life and older adults who are just beginning to express their real selves. I also like working with those adult victims of childhood abuse helping them put their past to rest and attain the fulfilling life they so richly deserve.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a behaviorist based mindfulness therapy that emphasizes living a fulfilling, purposeful, joyful life in spite of adversities and emotional situations. It emphasizes living in the moment and self-acceptance rather than hypothesized "cures". I work with clients to accept themselves for who they are; to accept where they are; and to build client skills to stay present each situation and challenge no matter how difficult. I encourage clients to process their past always with an eye on how that will affect living their life now.
Structural Family Therapy
Extensively trained in Bowen Theory Family Therapy I apply this modality to processing family of origin issues and traumas that often impact an individual over their lifetime.
Motivational Interviewing
In concentrating on addiction in the early part of my practice I was directed toward Motivational Interviewing, a system of practicing positive regard toward ones clients and 100% respect for their autonomy; and a method of eliciting client directed therapy through specific conversational conventions.