(she/her)
New to Grow
My therapeutic style is warm and compassionate, as well as active and engaged. I continue to be inspired by the strength and resilience of my clients. Through a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship, we will work together to promote insight into your current struggles, process your thoughts and emotions, and help you heal from past experiences. I value being authentic with my clients. It’s important to me that you are able to sense that what I’m saying is truly how I feel. I want to know all of you. This means not only hearing about what brought you into my office, but also about the aspects of your life that bring you joy. Humor frequently appears in my sessions. The work in therapy can be challenging, but I believe it’s also important to be able to laugh with my clients, too. I hold a doctoral degree from the clinical Psy.D. program at William James College, a Master’s of Education degree in Human Sexuality from Widener University, as well as a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University. I have received training and supervision from specialists in addiction treatment. I also have significant experience working with women from diverse cultural backgrounds who identify as members of the LGBTQ community.
I view the first session as a jumping off point towards figuring out if we are a good fit, and determining if, and how, I can best help you. I will ask you some information about what led you to seek treatment at this time, and get more details on topics such as your family and your work. You will have ample opportunity to ask me any questions you have about how I work and what the treatment process looks like. At the end of the session, if for whatever reason we don’t feel like it’s a good fit, I will give you the referrals you need to find someone who is.
I specialize in using a Harm Reduction approach with substance misuse and sex addiction, as well as CRAFT in the treatment of loved ones of those struggling with substance misuse. A Harm Reduction approach is unique in that it does not require the client to choose abstinence as a treatment goal. Instead, it encourages the client to explore their unique needs and barriers to change, and come up with their own treatment goals that may involve moderation, abstinence, or anything in between. Similarly, a HR approach with compulsive sexual behaviors is necessary because one cannot abstain from all sexual behaviors. Therefore, it's important to explore the emotional and relational patterns that fuel the behavior that's causing you distress, develop tools for managing urges, and create space for a healthier, more integrated relationship with sexuality. Therapy is not about shaming or suppressing desire—it’s about helping you reclaim choice, integrity, and self-respect. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is an evidence-based, transformative method designed specifically for families and loved ones of individuals who are often resistant to treatment. CRAFT empowers you to become an active participant in your loved one's recovery journey by equipping you with the tools needed to foster healthy behaviors and open lines of communication.
If you struggle to stop or reduce substance use or other addictive behaviors, I can help. I use a harm reduction approach to understand and treat substance use and abuse. Instead of focusing only on one’s addiction, this approach explores other contributing factors, such as co-occurring mental illnesses, family relationships, and medical problems. It encourages the client to explore their unique needs and background, and to develop their own treatment goals, which may involve moderation management, in addition to abstinence. I also offer treatment for other impulse control disorders, such as sex addiction and porn addiction. Some of my clients don't struggle with addiction, but they need support around anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD. I can help you develop strategies so you feel more confident when it comes to managing difficult feelings. I can also help you to assert your needs and develop boundaries with others, so you feel more empowered in your relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Sometimes, we've developed unhelpful ways of thinking that negatively impact our emotions and behaviors. I can help you identify and challenge these faulty patterns of thinking and learn better ways to manage your discomfort and distress.
Motivational Interviewing
When I work with clients struggling with addiction, I utilize a harm reduction approach, and motivational interviewing, to explore and better understand a person's relationship with their compulsive behaviors. My style is empathic, collaborative, and nonjudgmental so we can uncover the issues underlying your addictive behaviors and determine what is necessary to bring about effective change.
Psychodynamic
Often, a part of understanding current behaviors requires looking back at one's past experiences and early relationships. Clients may not know why they continue to behave in a way that causes them shame, or hurts others. In treatment together, we can begin to explore your unconscious wishes and fears and finally bring to light why you may make certain decisions over and over that don't seem to result in happiness.