1040 Great Plain Avenue
3rd Floor, Suite A
Needham, MA 02492
781-449-6900
My clinical experience involves working with children, adolescents and families. as well as adults struggling with anxiety, depression and significant life transitions. Additionally, I have expertise working with individuals who have experienced recent and past trauma.
I view the process of therapy as one in which individuals agree to safely and collaboratively work together to obtain greater insight and healthier functioning. It is a relationship built upon support, trust and mutual respect.
I utilize a variety of techniques, approaches and theoretical orientations to best serve the unique needs and issues of the person coming in for help. Listening to your concerns, hopes and goals is the first step. My approach is strength based, holistic and practical. The underpinning of my work is psychodynamic in that I believe there are feelings derived from our past experiences that guide our behavior and sometimes cause emotional and behavioral problems that are not always within our direct awareness. Gaining insight into how our history affects our current thoughts, feelings and behavior can be the first step towards recovery. Other theoretical orientations I utilize to guide my work and interventions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Developmental Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Family Systems and Trauma Informed Treatment.
My style is warm, conversational, curious and interactive. I connect well with children and adolescents through humor, play, and genuine interest in them. Creating a safe place is the first step.
I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of California, Berkeley in 1994. My experience as a therapist has been wide ranging with internships providing therapeutic services to veterans in the VA, to providing family therapy in a community mental health center. Since graduating I have worked in multiple settings including outpatient, hospitals, school programs and foster care/adoption services. Most recently I was a Director of a Special Education Boarding School for Adolescents in Lexington MA. Additionally, I have advanced training in providing Psychological First Aid in the aftermath of a traumatic event and have provided individual and group therapy to schools, private groups and public agencies throughout Massachusetts.
Areas of advanced training and expertise include:
- School issues
- Parent coaching
- Adolescent issues
- Mood/Anxiety Disorders
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- School/life transitions
- Trauma
- Divorce
I have over 25 years experience providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults and families. I have provided individual, group and family therapy in multiple settings including hospitals, day school programs, foster care/adoption services and therapeutic boarding schools. My experience includes working with children up through adults who have struggled with life transitions, school based problems, Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder, Mood Disorders: Anxiety, Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Additionally, I have training and experience working with individuals who are recovering from past and recent trauma.