Eating Disorders Therapists in Farmington, CT

I am a clinical psychologist with expertise in treating addictions, eating disorders , trauma, anxiety, depression, body image issues and difficulties with emotion regulation. I teach skills that increase life satisfaction, happiness, self-confidence, curiosity and gratitude. When life doesn't meet our expectations or painful situations occur, many people become self-critical and fight against emotions such as anger, loneliness, fear or shame. It is this lack of acceptance that increases suffering. Mindfulness and self-compassion involve responding with kindness to our own pain, thereby reducing suffering.

As a therapist, I enjoy the opportunity to offer a safe space for support towards healing. I work with young adults and adults on issues such as eating disorders , body image, self-esteem, anxiety, perfectionism, stress management and life transitions (starting or ending college, moving, job/career changes, relationship changes etc.) Due to my own experiences as both a performing artist and former college athlete & coach, I especially enjoy working with other artists or athletes and understand the unique challenges that may bring.

I've been practicing as a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I have been clinical director of mental health facilities and on the faculty of Tufts University School of Medicine. I welcome clients 14 years of age and older -- individuals and couples, and offer you a warm personal approach focusing on your specific needs. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" model of practice or that therapy should be "a way of life." Therapy begins with a careful assessment and plan. If what we are doing isn't working for you, we change it.

In my private practice I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns including anxiety, relationship issues, depression, loss, stress and life's transitions. I have a special interest in how clients manage vulnerability through disordered eating and body image issues. When life becomes overwhelming many turn to controlling food and body as a protective strategy. With compassion and respect, I will help you understand your personal relationship with food. As your insight and self-awareness grow you will make the behavioral changes you desire while incorporating healthier coping skills.

I specialize in working with clients with eating disorder, trauma, and addiction. I have a particular interest for working with marginalized voices, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. One passion is helping those impacted by power-based personal violence and assisting them in reclaiming their voice. I believe in fostering mutually-empowering relationships with clients that assist in supporting them through their personal journeys and encouraging them to access their inner strength and capacity for change. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and groups, with a special interest in the emerging adult population.

**Currently NOT accepting accepting virtual or in office appointments at this time.** I'm EMDR Certified and use other skills to work with individuals, families and youth dealing with difficult emotions, major life changes and loss. I have a great desire to assist individuals who may be dealing with court mandates, LGBT, trauma, anger management, domestic violence, substance use, sexual abuse, behavioral issues, ADHD and grief and loss of loved ones. Assist individuals and families to manage issues that impact mental health needs, mind/ body/ spirit connections and learning healthy coping skills to improve quality of life.

I am a fellow traveler on the path of healing. My own healing process informs my work as therapist as much as my different trainings have taught me. We cannot escape our past, but can use its teachings to open up our present and future. There is a wise person and healer within the limits our trauma has imposed upon us. Finding that inner resource is my vision for anyone choosing to work with me.

Are you ready to forgive yourself and others who have significantly impacted your life? Through learning to forgive you can deepen your awareness of what may prevent you from having more joy, love, and peace in your life. When you are not ready to forgive you can easily get stuck in a cycle of depression, anger, fear and anxiety. We all have innate wisdom and knowing that allows us to heal from any trauma or difficult life experience. Therapy is about coming to understand and know you have basic goodness as a human being. I will help you connect with that inner wisdom and knowing to create more meaning and purpose in your life.

If you are facing a challenge, a change or transition, or trying to break free from something in your past causing you pain, I am so glad you are reaching out. With a wide range of experience, I know you will find a safe and collaborative space where we can work together to help you heal & grow in the areas you need. With expertise in multiple methods, I offer a strength based, compassionate, holistic approach w/ a special focus in working with anxiety and stress, and life transitions and challenges including: relationship issues, chronic health, addiction/food related issues, divorce, grief/loss & school/career related changes.

I work with individuals, couples, and families who struggle with issues related to anxiety, depression, and addictions.

I dedicate myself to working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to help them create realistic goals and expectations for themselves. I focus on helping individuals with mental health and substance abuse troubles to help them meet their goals. Collaboration with family, friends, schools, and other providers is key to help in the therapeutic process and I'm dedicated to helping individuals with anything they wish to accomplish.

My work as a psychotherapist is rooted in a profound belief that by recognizing and honoring our complex, messy life stories with honesty and gentleness, we lay the foundation to heal the obstacles preventing us from building fulfilling, meaningful lives. Throughout life, we all create narratives about ourselves to help us survive. These narratives are shaped by myriad factors (individual life experiences, relationships, intergenerational legacies, and experiences of oppression/privilege, belonging/rejection, among others). Over time, our narratives and coping mechanisms fall short. We wonder, what went wrong? What's wrong with me?

I treat trauma, PTSD, phobias, grief and loss, and anxiety disorders of all kinds, even OCD. I help people who are having challenges in their relationships; people who are struggling with depression or substance abuse; people who want to feel more confident, motivated, fulfilled, or connected; or who simply want to be more at peace in the world.

If you feel that parts of your life could be better, then let me show you how to access greater health and well-being. You'll be surprised that in just a few sessions you will feel better, regardless of your current circumstances. There is no reason for you to not experience greater contentment and effectiveness in life, whether you experience anxiety, depression, lack motivation, or feel unworthy.

During my 20 plus years as a therapist I have enjoyed working clinically with adults, adolescents, children, couples and families. Over the years I have learned that the single most important aspect to productive therapy is having a trusting, empathic connection with your therapist. Additionally, it is important that your therapist is highly skilled, appropriately trained and experienced. Finding the right therapist is very important, therefore I always encourage people to investigate all of their options in order to find that supportive, genuine and safe connection that is right for them. Given that belief, I would be happy to be interviewed by you.

Above all, therapy is a relationship. I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a safe, trusting, and attuned relationship that we can use to explore problematic patterns of relating, work through emotional tensions and conflicts, and better understand themselves. Through the therapeutic relationship, we can begin to unravel those patterns that keep people wondering, "why does this keep happening?", fully experience emotions, develop a greater sense of self-awareness and vitality, and understand how the past impacts and influences the present. Please see my website for more information.

I believe that we all have great potential and with help, we can achieve our personal goals. The therapeutic process is to help you to become your best self. I love to join with my clients in this process.

For the past 30 years, my personal quest has been to find the most transformative tools, skills and techniques to create a healthy, joyful and abundant life. Understanding is power. Once you grasp that your personal beliefs create your emotions, and that those emotions cause your behaviors, you’re then in a position to transform your life. Similar to updating a computer's old operating system to gain maximum function, we need to update our old ways of thinking as well. Outdated and negative beliefs can be reframed and replaced with healthy and positive ones.

Not Currently Accepting New Clients...I believe that people are their own best resource for finding strength and understanding their past to improve and heal their present. My role as a therapist is to hold the space and assist you, the client, in accessing your potential in a realistic, meaningful way.