20 Chestnut Street, #10
Needham, MA 02492
857-600-8815
Stressful experiences, behavioral challenges, social and emotional issues can impact people of all ages. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I believe that therapy provides a safe and respectful setting where positive change is possible. I work with my clients to help them identify maladaptive patterns of behavior. I use tools that maximize strengths and foster new understanding. My clinical work is guided by an appreciation of each individual, their unique backgrounds and cultural experiences, as well as by my strong belief that steps towards well-being can happen with support, warmth, trust and collaboration.
My Practice
My clinical practice encompasses work with patients as young as five, school age children, adolescents, families and adults.
Work with Children and Teens
The children and teens that I treat have a range of challenges and emotional struggles including:
- Behavioral problems at home and school
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Peer and family difficulties
- Difficult transitions such as separation/divorce, adoption, illness, and geographical moves.
Work with Parents
I specialize in providing parenting support to adults who seek to better understand and manage their children’s social, emotional and behavioral needs.
Work with Families
My work with families often addresses poor communication and troublesome boundaries between parents and children.
Work with Adults
I provide mental health services to adults with mood disorders, anxiety, and relational issues.
Training and Experience
My extensive training in a variety of clinical techniques and interventions allows me to have an integrated treatment approach that is tailored to address the needs of each patient. I have worked in both inpatient hospitals and outpatient community mental health centers, as well as in private practice.
Interventions
Psychodynamic or talk therapy, play therapy, behavior interventions, and cognitive behavioral training are among the strategies I utilize in my practice. I engage closely with patients, asking for their input in shaping treatment goals. Where needed, I enjoy working collaboratively across systems with physicians, teachers and other providers, to best promote improved mental health functioning in the many arenas of patients’ lives. I have a warm and accessible style in working with patients of all ages.
Education/Career
I have had an interesting and varied professional career, that allows me to bring a wealth of experience and creativity to my work as a clinical psychologist. I received my undergraduate degree at Brown University, before completing a law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. After many years of providing legal services in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Georgia, I left the active practice of law to train as a psychologist at the doctorate level. I completed a joint PHD in clinical and community psychology at Georgia State University. I returned permanently to the Boston area where I completed APA internship training in child and family therapy at South Shore Mental Health /McLean Hospital. Thereafter, I spent two years as a post-doctoral clinical fellow in psychology at Children’s Hospital Boston. Throughout my years of training and now as a practicing licensed psychologist, I have enjoyed working with individuals from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities and gender orientations.
I enjoy participating in continuing educational opportunities. I read extensively on current practices in my fields of clinical expertise and attend numerous conferences each year. I consult regularly with my colleagues at NPA where a shared commitment to the highest levels of patient care enriches our work.
Relevant Experience/Affiliations/Memberships
I have served as a guardian ad litem in custody and other cases in Massachusetts and Georgia. I am a member of the Massachusetts Association of Guardian ad Litems and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. I am also active member of the American Psychological Association, and the Massachusetts Psychological Association where I am a member of several Task Forces.
I have taught psychology at the college and graduate levels. Currently, I am teaching child development courses to pediatric dental residents in conjunction with Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Books
Drawing on my previous work as a researcher in the field of family homelessness, I have recently co-edited a book called “Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness.” My work in this area targets mental health interventions for children and families experiencing housing instability and homelessness.