Services
About My Clients
If you've noticed patterns in your life making it more difficult to connect to others, to feel that you're taking care of yourself in the best way you can, or even to manage stress in general, I know how distressing it can be. Setting boundaries, communicating openly, and turning to healthy coping skills can be incredibly difficult when we haven't been given those tools. I look forward to helping you make changes and find new tools to live a happier life.
My Background and Approach
I obtained my Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey. My early work was with people struggling with addiction, homelessness, and the criminal justice system, and from these experiences I have seen how trauma's long-term effects can change the direction of a life. Whether it's a difficulty to connect with others out of the need to feel safe, the need to protect oneself with anger to prevent further hurt, or to try to numb unpleasant emotions with substances, I've seen how unresolved issues early in life can make it harder to live a happy life. My approach is to address where a client is currently through motivational interviewing, help them gain insight into what they are experiencing and where they can make changes through cognitive behavioral therapy, and to explore what brought them to this place through psychodynamic therapy.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I believe everyone learns to survive their circumstances, but sometimes those circumstances don't allow us to develop healthy coping skills. They work for us during that time, but serve us less as we grow and get older. This impacts how we build new relationships, and how we view ourselves. I think everyone has the ability to change, and in recognizing what no longer serves us, change in a way that helps us lead healthier, happier lives. I believe everyone should be able to live in the way that brings them the most happiness and contentment, and we don't always get that chance when we are younger, but we can work to give that to ourselves as we grow. As a member of the LGBTQ community who was raised in a Catholic belief system, I understand what non-acceptance can look like and strive to provide a safe space for everyone I work with.