I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose had the opportunity to work with people of all ages in many different walks of life. I started my career volunteering at Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center by working with geriatric patients who were struggling with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI); depression and schizophrenia. From there, I worked for five years in residential facilities with dual diagnosed clients who had a mental illness and chemical addiction (MICA). I spent time working in foster care group homes with at-risk young girls aged 10 to 16 years old. I have also worked in an elementary school with children in grades; kindergarten through fifth grade who had individualized education plans (IEP) and were experiencing both behavioral and social issues. I worked closely with police officers while working on the Suffolk County mobile crisis team for three years assessing children through seniors who were experiencing psychiatric emergencies; suicidal, homicidal, hallucinations and other safety concerns. Before starting in private practice, I worked as a medical social worker who provided counseling and case management to adults who had multiple medical conditions. I am familiar with long-term planning; home care needs, medicaid/pooled trusts, end of life, MOLST (medical orders for life-sustaining treatment), health care proxy forms, palliative and hospice care.
The moment that I started working as a therapist in private practice, I developed a new appreciation and passion in working with people. It has been an absolute blessing for me to walk along my clients journey of life to help guide them in discovering new ways of being rather than just surviving.
My role as a therapist in a person’s journey is unique. I meet strangers from all walks of life who are searching for guidance and support as they share their life’s story with me. I view my role as a therapist as a relationship of change; a space where you can express yourself without judgment, uncover your goals and discover ways of becoming the best version of yourself.
As a person who was diagnosed with a learning disability at a young age and didn’t know there was more than a one-size-fits all learning style, I struggled to find my way. Through my personal experiences and professional training, I discovered that there are unique ways that we all learn and grow. I reject the one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. There is no one single therapy that works for everyone. That said, I draw upon a variety of therapy modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Thought Field Therapy aka Tapping, and mindfulness-based techniques.
I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, which focuses on promoting personal growth and development through an integration of all aspects of an individual, rather than focusing on just one aspect or an illness, to lead a more fulfilling life through improved self-esteem and self-awareness.
I have experienced many challenges throughout my life and those experiences have helped me to evolve into someone who is able to connect with others in a special way. I am a wounded healer.
In my time off, I LOVE hiking, sitting/reflecting in nature, kayaking, painting, playing chess, mixed marital arts, and exploring upstate New York and Vermont.
I also enjoy spending my time attending professional trainings that teach me new tools which allows me to reach my full potential as a therapist.
I am often eager to learn and expand my knowledge, the same as I encourage my clients to do along their journey!
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