My Focus Areas
ADHD, Adoption/Foster Care, Anger Issues, Animal Loss, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Burnout, Caregiver Burnout, Chronic Illness, Couples Therapy, Cultural Issues/Racial Stress, Depression, Divorce, Eating Disorders, Family Conflict, Family Therapy, Grief, IPV/DV, Immigration, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, OCD, Panic, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Pregnancy/Peripartum, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Relationship Concerns, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault/Sexual Abuse, Sleep, Stress, Substance Use, Trauma, Women's Issues, Workplace Stress
My Therapy Style
I use my sense of humor, most of all, and self-disclosure when I think it will help. I pride myself on trying to make therapy enjoyable. I have been a therapist for almost 20 years and have worked with so many different populations. I love what I do. Because I am a licensed Marriage family and child therapist, I can treat many people. My experience ranges from inpatient to outpatient as well as schools and foster homes. I specifically focus on trauma because we all have unresolved things that need to be resolved.
My Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Couples [Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)], Couples [The Gottman Method], Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP or EXRP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Harm Reduction, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Prolonged Exposure, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution-focused, Strengths-based
Education & Training
AS - Early Childhood Education, Suffolk County Community College
BS - Elementary and Special Education, Dowling College
MS - Counseling, University of Phoenix
Get to Know Me
Why did you become a mental health professional?
Full disclosure, I grew up with a mother who was severely mentally ill. No one ever told me what was going on with her, and I spent a long time trying to figure out what actually happened. As a result, I decided to dedicate my life to helping others facing adversities. I never wanted anybody to feel as alone and confused as I felt at that time. I absolutely love what I do and I look forward to never knowing what client I will get next.
What are your interests outside of work?
I love spending time with my children, designing my home, watching Bravo, boxing, yoga, and taking my dog for walks! I especially love traveling and going out for a nice meal!
What is one thing you do daily that supports your well-being?
I make sure I take a self-care day to rest and recharge. I practice mindfulness regularly and take each moment as it comes.
What book have you read more than once?
I have read The Four Agreements many times because the lessons in there are life-changing.
Favorite organization/non-profit?
Art for All because it is to help people with cognitive differences by celebrating creativity.
How do you recharge?
I spend time with my family and try to go outside when I can. I also enjoy boxing and yoga.
Do you have any pets?
I have a white Labrador retriever, two fish, and a frog. My dog loves to chew anything in sight but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
