Hi! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in New Jersey. I received my Masters in Psychological Counseling as well as my Post-Master’s Certification in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University. I have been practicing for 22 years in numerous settings including Partial Hospital Program, OPBH at a general hospital, private practice in office settings and virtual platforms. I worked with adults only and have experience in individual, group, marriage/couples and family therapy.
First session is largely utilized for extensive information gathering, identifying the client’s past and current challenges and/or psychiatric symptoms, their goals in therapy, and a general review of what to expect in subsequent sessions.
After 22 years in the field I can easily form preliminary hunches and theories on cause and effect, that I continuously test and verify/refute by asking my clients what they think. In this way, our work is a collaborative effort until my client achieves resolution and/or closure to their presenting problem(s). Secondly, I strive to understand precisely and accurately what my client is communicating, and respect, empathy and compassion are always the building blocks of my practice. In addition I value cultural sensitivity greatly and I am always open to learn from my clients so that I can better assist them in their unique needs and goals.
I particularly enjoy seeing my client make important connections and achieve very precious insights for the very first time in their lives through support, compassion and guidance they receive in our work. Many times, this is exactly what they need and it can make a tremendous difference for their future ahead.
By identifying the individual’s attachment style, the unhealthy and dysfunctional patterns in their relationships both with themselves and others can be detected and utilized as an effective treatment method.
In many cases depressive disorders and anxiety disorders can be treated effectively by helping clients identify their own cognitive distortions, irrational and illogical thought patterns that effect both their emotions and behaviors/interactions with others.
Identifying, acknowledging and validating individual’s emotions and creating a safe platform for them to recognize and process those emotions can be very much healing in psychotherapy.
In many cases individuals tend to perpetuate unhealthy and dysfunctional behavioral patterns due to lack of awareness and insight, therefore mindfulness based approach aims to change mindless thought patterns and behavior patterns into mindful, aware and present ones.
What is the meaning and purpose of life? What do I really want and need in my life? Why are we here? What does happiness mean? Existential therapy aims to provide support, direction and guidance to individuals who consciously or subconsciously ask themselves questions similar to the ones listed above. Compassion, empathy and gentle encouragement are incorporated into the approach as well.