Licensed to practice in Maine and accepts 8 insurances. Specializes in ADHD, Autism, Parenting and 2 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
I specialize in working with neurodivergent parents of neurodivergent kids — whether you've been formally diagnosed or are just starting to sense that something feels off, in yourself or in your child (or both!) I have expertise in ADHD, autism, anxiety, and the parenting stress that comes with raising a child whose brain works differently than the world expects. I have a background as a play therapist and have been working with parents on various aspects of parenting for over 20 years. Early in my career, I worked with autistic preschoolers – and their parents. I shifted to working exclusively with parents because that is where I can have the greatest impact. I hold an MSW from Boston College a PhD from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where my doctoral research focused on mindfulness, emotion regulation, and parenting stress. What I've learned across decades of working with children and parents is that, more than anything else, parents are influenced by the unconscious emotional blocks and patterns from their own upbringing. I now focus my practice on helping parents identify and clear the emotional programming that is keeping them stuck in unhelpful and ineffective parenting patterns. Instead of letting your childhood programming run the show, you are empowered to be in charge of your choices in parenting and in life.
In our first session, we will discuss your short- and long-term goals and explore the resources you already have available to you. I want to learn what is most important to you and what success looks and feels like for you — how will YOU know when the treatment is complete? From there, we will map a plan forward together. Future sessions may include your spouse, partner, or co-parent, if that becomes relevant or beneficial for our work together.
My approach is unique in that we address the problem at its root. Most problems arise as a result of unconscious emotional patterns and programs from our own upbringing. It IS possible to resolve these patterns and create lasting change. My approach is: Empathetic and direct Goal- and future-focused, not past-dwelling I provide: Practical parenting tools you can use right away Doable nervous system regulation skills
Clients who have success working with me tend to be insightful and self-aware, recognizing that they have a role in their own well-being. They are willing to make changes in their own lives and in their parenting and family life. While I typically work with clients individually, we can include your partner or co-parent as mutually deemed appropriate and beneficial.
Other specialties
I identify as
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
NLP is a set of therapeutic coaching tools that helps the client identify and clear unconscious emotional patterns that are keeping them stuck. While we take an in-depth personal history as part of the assessment process, NLP sessions do not linger in the story of the past, instead we focus on your vision of how you want your life, your parenting, and your family life to look and feel. We clear negative emotions and traumas in order to pave the way toward the life you envision for yourself.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I teach mindfulness tools that you can practice outside our sessions, to improve emotional and nervous system regulation.
Somatic
When appropriate, we incorporate breathwork and somatic techniques to help you become more attuned to the signals of the body, where much of our trauma and emotional wounds are held.