I specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma of various kinds (illness, accidents, assault, loss) in childhood or adulthood. I have worked for many years with women and men who have experienced childhood sexual, physical or emotional abuse, or adult sexual assault. Recurring thoughts and images about the trauma, or less conscious feelings such as fear and worthlessness, or difficulties letting anyone get close, can persist, even if it happened long ago. My focus in therapy is to help you work through these experiences so they no longer prevent you from living more fully in your present life.

Working with children, adolescents, and young adults is my passion. My educational background includes a Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from Columbia University School of Social Work. Most recently, I earned my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from Rutgers University School of Social Work, where I conducted research and published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. I am also a school social worker, which has given me insight into the struggles youth encounter on a daily basis. I provide mental health counseling in addition to crisis work and case management. I previously worked in the nonprofit sector as well.

I am a clinical psychologist experienced in working with individuals and couples around a variety of emotional and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, parenting, postpartum adjustment, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. I believe therapy is a creative process in which a therapist must utilize a variety of techniques to create a unique treatment plan for each patient. I am trained in many different modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.

* Accepting new clients* I am passionate about helping those who feel lost or overwhelmed transform their daily life. Life can be even more challenging if you feel sad, anxious and alone. Together we resolve your immediate situation and build strengths to discover your true self and regain control. I can help deepen your understanding of self and interaction with the world. We explore thoughts, experiences and feelings and learn tools to thrive in everyday life. You are not stuck in this current situation. Sometimes we need compassion to guide our journey as we move forward.

Many of us feel anxious and overwhelmed in our daily lives. Most of the time, we have the tools and support to effectively deal with our anxiety. However, there can be times when we have difficulty managing the stress on our own. Work, family, finances, health issues and other stress can trigger unresolved trauma from our past which often leads to heightened anxiety. Research shows that chronic stress negatively impacts our health and relationships. Whether your anxiety is caused by past traumatic experiences, or a recent life events, we can work together to improve your ability to cope and live a more peaceful life.

Are you facing a challenging situation in your life? Perhaps you are trying to recover from a difficult break-up. Or you may be trying to resolve conflicts in a relationship with a partner, family member, co-worker or boss. Your struggle may be an internal one, such as dealing with behavior that feels out of control, confusion over sexual orientation, gender identity or other issues affecting self-esteem. Utilizing a combination of mindfulness, cognitive therapy, insight oriented and trauma based approaches, my goal is to foster a compassionate view of yourself as you deal with life's challenges.

I am licensed in New Jersey as a practicing psychologist. I practice in Westfield. I work with people of all ages, either individually or as part of a couple or family. In my practice, I welcome general issues such as coping with depression, anxiety, stress, and other related issues. I have some special interests in recovering from trauma or abuse, coping with chronic illness or disability, and managing learning and neuro-developmental difficulties. I also work with issues such as avoiding burnout for small business owners, practice owners, and healthcare professionals. I love my work.

Beginning therapy can be a difficult process, and selecting the “right” therapist is an important and positive first step. In a safe and supportive environment, I bring 30-plus years of experience and ongoing training in cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, parenting and family therapies. I work in a highly effective results-oriented manner with children (4 years and older), adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges and performance-related stress in the workplace, classroom or home.

Personal/professional growth is daunting and scary. You may not be sure how to start. We begin by exploring your strengths and hopes. We work towards solving a problem or finding deeper satisfaction. I offer a safe place to sort things out. You may have a new: marriage, career or business venture, I bring 30 years experience. I have extensive experience coaching business, finance, medical & creative professionals. I offer remote/video/phone therapy whenever necessary. I am good at helping you seek or enhance your success, but also at finding satisfaction that comes from a well developed self, relationship or professional life.

How does my child get along with his/her peers? Is my child sensitive to the feelings of others? Can my child wait and control their impulses? How aware is my child of his/her feelings? Can my child respect others "space," make new friends, maintain a conversation and are they really listening when someone is speaking? These are just a few questions my clients ask themselves before seeking my services. I have years of experience helping children and young adults who are grappling with these areas. Feel free to visit my website for more information regarding social skills training.

There are times in one's life when difficulties arise that need the help of a specially trained listener. I can help explore these challenges in a safe, authentic, nonjudgmental atmosphere. I have been a psychotherapist for over twenty years and have over nine years of advanced training. I work with teenagers (14 and up) and adults suffering from a variety of personal, emotional as well as social problems. If needed, I work in collaboration with psychopharmacology.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker(psychotherapist), professor, life coach, consultant, trainer, author &motivational speaker with over 20 year's experience. My Team and I at Great Joy Counseling &Consulting Services are committed to providing specialized services in a variety of treatment modalites. When asked what sets me apart from others in the field, clients cite my keen insight, non-judgmental approach & depth of experience as the key factors that make the difference. I provide "just- in- time" services that assist individuals and organizations with refocusing their energy and getting back on track with their goals.

Here at Sandplay for Healing we are committed to providing a therapeutic space in which one can explore, go deep, and come to realize the possibilities of themselves. Over the years in my work with profound trauma presentations, I have come to know that people, no matter what their presenting problem is in that first contact, are searching for themselves. Our mission is to offer a supportive, empowering, confidential, caring, professional, and respectful environment in which we can help you to embark on a journey of sorts. In addition to counseling, we also offer clinical training for fellow professionals.

Life is a wonderful, and at times difficult journey. When you experience anxiety, depression, trauma or relationship/family issues on top of the pressures of daily life, coping effectively can be overwhelming. Yet know that with the right support and toolbox of skills, you have the ability to prioritize your happiness and achieve your goals. Your journey to assemble this tool box does not have to happen alone. I can provide a nurturing space where you can gain insight into unwanted patterns of behavior, identify and challenge unhelpful automatic thinking patterns and get in touch with your innate strength.

Do you feel stuck in a relationship or job? Are you having difficulty making a decision in your life? Are you coping with a loss or unresolved trauma? Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression or another mood disorder? Do you find it difficult to cope with stress in your life? For the past 15 years, as a clinician and supervisor, I have worked collaboratively with numerous clients to identify and resolve similar issues among others, enabling them to achieve their goals, maximize their potential, and lead more satisfying, joyful lives.

I believe that within each individual, family, or relationship there is a natural and effective process for healing. Although in times of crisis helping a person or family find safety and stabilization becomes a priority, once this is established I have found an inside-out approach can be a powerful, creative, and effective process toward finding your unique self and path.

If you are tired of feeling this way, know that there is hope. Sometimes life seems to get off track, but you can reclaim your life...regaining strength, balance, direction, and meaning. Therapy can be a place to begin this journey of healing and restoration. I've been helping people for over 15 years with a variety of issues. So if you are dealing with an eating disorder, trauma, abuse history, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or just day-to-day life, I will work with you to achieve the sense of empowerment and balance you deserve.

Never wanted to home school your kids. Me neither. If you wanted to be a teacher, that’s what you would have become. Go teachers! Yet here you are wrangling with the internet, Zoom meetings, Google Classroom and a load of other things just to keep your kids in school and prevent them from falling behind. And maybe they're behind already. It should be a comfort that all kids may be behind, but it's totally not. If that’s not enough, you get to feel guilty about how much more screen time you're allowing just to get anything done. And let’s not even get started on juggling work outside the home if that’s on your plate. It is a lot.

Let me help you to become the person you were meant to be. I believe in the process and have had great success in helping my clients to build confidence, self-esteem, and a positive outlook on life.

I believe all people deserve to feel their best and realize their true potential. The individuals, couples, and families that come to me for therapy are often down and out, riddled with anxiety and conflict, and looking for a new lease on life. Using my years of experience and training and a variety of specialized skills and techniques, I help each of my clients find the strength within to overcome their personal challenges. I partner with my clients to discover what gets in the way of their happiness and inner peace and to rediscover the lives they want to live and to live them vibrantly!