About

The way I provide therapy is based on my core values and what I believe about human nature, personal growth, and the potential for people to change. In our conversations, I look for your strengths and positive qualities. I am attentive and interested in hearing about all aspects of your life. I do not criticize or give advice. My feedback is respectful and aimed at helping you discover any self-defeating patterns. I also help you address any fears about change. My fundamental belief is that growth occurs within a safe, nurturing relationship.

My therapy style is a blend of approaches, based on my training in Psychodynamic, Cognitive-behavioral, and Interpersonal therapies. Psychodynamic therapy helps people understand and change the ways that their past experiences affect their current functioning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people recognize and change thoughts, beliefs, or perceptions that negatively influence their moods. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationship patterns and skills. When appropriate, I also incorporate my training in promoting healthy behavior and spiritual care-giving into my work with clients.

I have over 18 years' experience promoting healthy behavior, treating, teaching and helping people who are interested in growth through self-awareness. I am committed to the emotional well-being of each one of my clients and meet that commitment by maintaining a highly ethical practice, being creative and innovative in my work, striving to improve the quality of my services and building my skills through professional development and training.

My credentials include:

• Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology
• Master of Public Health degree in Health Behavior/Health Education
• PA Licensed Professional Counselor
• Nationally Certified Psychologist
• Board Certified Clinical Psychotherapist
• Approved Clinical Supervisor
• Certified Stephen Minister
• PREPARE/ENRICH counselor for relationship enhancement

Professional memberships and affiliations:

• American Counseling Association
• Pennsylvania Counseling Association
• Northamerican Association of Masters in Psychology
• Psychology Today
  • My Psychology Today Listing
• Goodtherapy.com
• My LinkedIn Profile
• Relationship911
• International Positive Psychology Association
• Give an Hour
• Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education

In addition to providing therapy, supervision and workshops to my private practice clients, I sometimes teach undergraduate psychology courses at Eastern University where I have been an Adjunct Faculty member. In 2004, I was honored to serve as one of 13 delegates from the US on a People to People Ambassadors professional program in China, sponsored by the American Counseling Association.

Office hours are by appointment. Although I limit the number of sessions per day to give each person individualized attention, both daytime and evening hours are available. You can call or e-mail to schedule an appointment. I answer all calls personally, and generally can respond to messages within 24 hours.

In-office appointments are usually 50 minutes long. If appropriate, we can also make other arrangements such as telephone sessions, half-sessions (25 minutes), double-sessions (90 minutes) or group sessions. I never double-book appointments and I require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.

During a therapy appointment, I encourage you to talk about your life, especially areas that might be difficult, disappointing, or dissatisfying. This means that you can occasionally experience uncomfortable feelings during or immediately following a session. This is normal. Most of the time, staying with and expressing feelings helps decrease them. In fact, this is part of what makes therapy work and is why therapy is often called “The Talking Cure”. We should discuss every aspect of your reactions to our sessions.

Fees can be discussed during your first appointment. Payment is expected at the time of service, in cash or check. I do not participate with most insurance as an in-network provider because insurance limits your choices about treatment, and using it introduces a third party that cannot assure your confidentiality. I prefer that my professional relationship be with you and not with an insurance company. I also believe that you have the right to determine every aspect of your professional care. However, some plans allow for out-of-network coverage, in which case I can give you a monthly statement to submit for reimbursement.

I offer pro bono services as a provider with Give an Hour, a network of professionals who offer free counseling to U.S. Military personnel and their families affected by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.