1040 Great Plain Avenue
3rd Floor, Suite A
Needham, MA 02492
781-444-1956
I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University in 1997 and became licensed a year later in 1998. I have worked in a variety of outpatient, inpatient and residential settings, including the Worcester Youth Guidance Center, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center (where I held a faculty position), Westwood Lodge Hospital, Franciscan Hospital for Children and the Dana Group Associates. I have also worked in therapeutic day schools for children with specific emotional and behavioral needs, residential programs and the Worcester Juvenile and Probate Courts.
Much of my professional work has focused on providing psychotherapy and psychological testing services for children, adolescents, and families, although I have also provided consultation to the Worcester Probate Court on matters of custody, visitation and parenting post-separation. Areas of interest include depression and anxiety, developmental disorders, the effects of divorce on children, self-injurious behaviors, and suicidal ideation.
While my therapeutic approach could best be described as eclectic, there is a consistent focus on building self-esteem and a sense of self-efficacy, while attempting to help the individual or family modify patterns of behavior. I try to work collaboratively with families, maintaining regular communication with parents and including them in their children’s individual sessions when appropriate. My interventions tend to be based on psychodynamic theory, although cognitive and behavioral approaches are commonly employed as these have been shown to be quite useful with children and adolescents.
Stylistically, I tend to be very engaged and talkative. I try to create a safe environment, using humor and conversation to put clients at ease. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process in which I bring my expertise regarding emotional and behavioral issues while the clients bring knowledge about themselves and their own personal experiences. Sessions for older children and adolescents revolve around dialogue and mutual problem solving, while sessions with younger children focus on helping them to express what they are feeling inside either through play or through art. Social skills training, behavior management and parenting support are also provided when indicated.