LCSW, 34 years of experience
I am a psychotherapist with 34 years experience post-Master's degree in Social Work. This is my third career as I was in Finance and risk management previously. I am honored with the highest recognitions of the State of New York, the LCSW-R (Licensed Clinical Social Worker- R) and the National Association of Social Worker's DCSW (Diplomate of Clinical Social). I work with ADD and ADHD children and adults. My practice also addresses Behavioral and other Mental Health concerns. It has enabled me to help many people overcome painful situations and resume a happy life as they define it.
In our first meeting the client should expect a safe, private and protected environment fostering our getting to know each other. The primary focus of the initial session is securing information about the goals of the client and determining objective measurements/steps necessary to realize these goals. This assessment is developed by the client and the therapist working collaboratively to form the basis of our therapy.
I empower my clients to realize their strengths and build on these to make positive changes in their lives. I am warm, insightful, patient yet goal focused. I am considered an interventionist. The client enters with a problem which I assist them in resolving. I do not seek to keep patients once they have resolved their issues. I will never leave the client and I frequently work with returning people for "touch-ups" and often for different issues.
The population I treat are primarily men and women aged 25 and up. I have been quite successful in facilitating behavioral change within this demographic. I also treat childhood, parental and adult ADD. I am successful in encouraging frustrated individuals who have not done well in other settings.
The client and I focus on gaining knowledge/insight into the triggers leading to and precipitating the problem. As an overly simplistic illustration of this approach, we would use the addictive disorders which frequently observe that "people, places and things" are where the intervention is made. With this knowledge we develop the tools necessary to address/overcome the issue bringing the client to therapy. Using client strength-based skills, the client is supported in resolving their issue. In addition I also treat ADD in children, parents and adults and grief therapy.
My approach is addressing the trauma of loss and providing the environment to support the grieving individual to heal in his or her own time frame.
I have facilitated groups for over 30 years. Currently I offer Anger Management (a 12 session SAMHSA Approved) and Domestic Violence (a 26 session) courses. I provide a letter honored by the courts for both of these courses.
The writings of Jon Kabat-Zinn and Thich Nhat Hanh (available on YouTube) form the basis of acquiring the skills needed to focus on the task at hand.
I work with the client's strengths in providing the skills to determine, empower and motivate him or her to realize his or her goal.