I am a licensed chemical dependency practitioner with a degree in social work. I specialize in addictions, domestic violence, hate crimes, and sexual assaults. I have been working within the addictions field for the last 19 years and for the last 16 years I have been working directly with substance affected families in the child welfare system.

The therapeutic relationship provides an opportunity to learn about one’s self and the dynamics that exist within our interpersonal connections. It is a privilege for me to be able to embark on that journey and help impact an individual’s ability to experience transformation and to gain increased satisfaction in life.  My counseling style is holistic as I acknowledge the unique characteristics that are present within the many approaches to therapy. This allows for the use of the most appropriate tools as the therapeutic relationship evolves. Most importantly, I approach every client with respect and compassion.

"Between the stimulus and the response, there is a space, and in that space lies our power and our freedom." When I am asked why I chose to become a therapist. My response is that I truly value working with people in this journey called life. I believe all of us are far more than a set of symptoms, struggles and personal history. We are unique and can achieve things we would never believe possible. Therapy can assist us in finding the clarity, resolution and hope to make positive changes.

Brightside Behavioral Health is here to help you shine through! We offer individual, couples, family, child and parenting therapy in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Our therapists have years of experience working with a broad spectrum of issues. Extensive training in EMDR, Shaping Behavior, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Do you catch yourself feeling overwhelmed by constant worry? Are you fighting to find energy, joy, or a sense of peace? Maybe you're feeling alone, or hopeless about how to feel better. Taking steps towards self-care and self-understanding can be intimidating. There is no “quick fix,” but there are ways to make life easier. Imagine what it would be like to feel more in control, to build healthy relationships or to simply walk into a room with confidence.

** CURRENTING NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ** We each do our best to survive whatever circumstances life throws at us. Sometimes, the things we do to survive are not as effective as they once were. We may need to consider other ways to cope or enhance those that we already have. Therapy can be a way to do that. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental place for you to explore ways to feel better and to understand your distress. Working together, we will find the path that works best for you.

Persons with simple issues as well as those with more complex concerns can feel at home with my counseling style and therapy approaches. Individuals with a desire to explore their life challenges in a setting where they will find gentle compassion are invited to initiate the life coaching and/or therapy processes. Mental heath or substance abuse will be explored with care and great respect. Licensed in Rhode Island as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and as a Chemical Dependency Professional, I have 43 years of experience helping persons suffering with a wide array of life issues.

“I believe that therapy is a place where a child or adolescent should feel heard, accepted and safe. Using ones strengths and interests, treatment is focused on not changing who you are but learning how to navigate through difficult situations that may cause challenges at school, with friends and at home with family. My goal is in helping one to understand what is causing distress and enhance ones ability to manage strong emotions and build self efficacy through assertive communication, coping, problem solving and social skills.

Welcome! I am accepting new patients into my private practice. People that come to me usually have a history of trauma and/or addiction and are seeking a support system to help them cope. I also work well with people that experience depression and anxiety, as well as mood disorders. I love helping people learn new coping skills and finding new ways to rediscover the passion and motivation in their lives. I have experience working with those that are transitioning out of the prison environment or have criminal thinking patterns as well.

As a clinician I engage in solution focused counseling and therapy with individuals, families and couples. Problems addressed include trauma and loss, stress due to illness, parenting challenges, marital conflicts and divorce, life transitions, codependency, anxiety, depression, ADHD and other mental health challenges. My work is collaborativel, empowering clients to develop the insights that often lead to a balanced more centered life. Having worked in the field of education for many years I enjoy working with individuals, and families seeking assistance related to academic challenges. I use a variety of treatment modalities and personalize to your needs.

I like working with people to help them find balance and discover or rediscover their inner strength while navigating through the difficult times and transitions in life. Life is full of surprises; while some are amazing, others are devastating. No matter what your transition in life or presenting problem is, it's important you know you're not alone when facing adversity or staring down a big life change like moving away for college or a job, having a baby or getting divorced/breaking up. Asking for guidance during these transitions allows you to get the support you need to get through the difficult times & get back on track.

I am a Licensed Psychologist with over 40 years of experience offering evaluations and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. At the present time, I am working with the office of Alexander Scagnelli, MD PC who prescribes medication management along with his Nurse Practitioners. I am providing psychological testing, which includes a clinical interview, remote testing, following up with a results visit. We test for ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders and a variety of other diagnoses. At the result visit, I would make recommendations based on your test results. Our office has availability within one week.

*Our counseling practice is accepting new clients with Blue Cross, United, Neighborhood, and Cigna! Our therapists all take an integrative approach* Are you looking to make positive life changes, heal past traumas, and improve relationships? Are you going through major life changes such as becoming a parent, changing careers, or dealing with chronic health issues? Therapy can be a safe place to explore your concerns and learn new skills for living a balanced life! My group focuses on holistic counseling practices, including yoga, mindfulness, person-centered therapy, nature, energy healing and art.

CURRENTLY OFFERING TELEHEALTH (INCLUDING NEW INTAKES)! Are you looking to explore new ways to heal and grow? Do you want to expand on traditional talk-therapy, and work with therapists who take an integrative approach (mind, body, and spirit)? Utilizing holistic modalities aimed at treating the whole person, our practice hopes to help you reach your goals and explore your potential. Sometimes we all need extra support in our journey through life; we are here to offer guidance, empathy, and a safe haven to explore your thoughts, hopes, and fears. We also operate a yoga studio that offers group therapy, workshops and classes.

Life can present us with many challenges. I provide a warm, safe, and empowering environment which allows for a positive experience. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families in community, home, and office-based settings.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AND TELETHERAPY WILL BE OFFERED. My life experience has taught me that effective counseling is based upon ongoing clarity (communication) of expectations and shared responsibility. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and families on such issues as: depression, anxiety, stress management, developing parenting strategies, childrens behavioral concerns, adolescent self-esteem, social difficulties, and general adjustment to changes within families.

NOW OFFERING VIDEO/TELETHERAPY: No matter where you are in your life I am dedicated to providing unconditional support, a reliable ear to listen, and to help you become the best version of yourself. We will work together to understand and discover the best possible ways to handle whatever is happening. I have traveled and lived in many states, but my heart always brings me back to the four seasons in Rhode Island. I would describe myself as compassionate, fun, real and dedicated. I enjoy being a therapist because I have the privilege to impact and empower someone in a way that could change the trajectory of their life.

You are searching here for a provider with whom you feel heard, understood, and respected. My approach is both Mindful and CBT ("Cognitive Behavior Therapy") based, and our strategies will be specific and tapered to address your unique issues. I focus on building both inner and outer awareness for healthy decision-making, and provide professional guidance in an open-minded and non-judging approach. My office is easy to locate, peaceful, completely confidential, and distraction-free. Please call with any questions or for more information. Find me on Healthgrades for prior patient feedback regarding my service provision.