Hello!
“To be human is to need others, and this is no flaw or weakness.”
-Dr. Sue Johnson
Here is a bit about who I am most successful in helping.
Therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. Just like a garden that needs tending, we can ignore the weeds below the surface, mowing over the grass or trimming the edges which fixes the aesthetic but does not clear things up from the inside out. Most of my clients understand this and have usually been in therapy before but found it touched the surface and now feel ready to get to the root cause of their issue.
I can help you take an honest look at what hasn’t worked and, with a lens of compassion, we can begin to nurture and heal the parts of your life that need attention.
The majority of clients I work with are women who feel stressed, unseen and overwhelmed. Outwardly they function quite well; they’re bright, compassionate and successful but inwardly others might be surprised to know how much they struggle with anxiety, perfectionism and taking on too much.
I work largely from a Christian faith-based perspective combining my faith and biblical truth with my training and the latest research surrounding trauma, attachment and narcissistic abuse recovery. Early attachment wounds, trauma or being in a family of origin where there was narcissism can set you up to experience relational difficulty, trouble taking care of your needs or setting clear boundaries. I have helped my clients become unstuck and find better alignment in their lives.
My work with clients centers on accountability. I am accountable to my clients for paying attention to all of what they share (or sometimes don’t share) so we have a clear picture of what we are working on. I esteem integrity throughout this process and will lovingly challenge the sin and parts of their lives holding them back or deceiving them from God’s best.
My hope is that as of a result of therapy being part of my client’s sanctification they can find rhythms of rest, balance and grace. I'd love to see if we are a good fit and have you experience healing in your life!
My Approach + Background
My approach is practical, compassionate and holistic…meaning I look at all of the various aspects that lend themselves to what you are bringing into therapy, such as lifestyle, sleep food ect;. I am trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist but more often work with clients individually. My training however, helps me look at all the different systems in your life. I am often keeping an eye on which ones can be a support for you, be it community, family or friends. I like to draw from approaches such as: narrative therapy, polyvagal therapy and emotionally focused therapy. I have found these approaches most helpful in addressing the past, identifying what you want in the present and creating a way to get there.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of New York and a clinical fellow of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Iona College and went on to receive a Masters of Science from Iona College's accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program. While studying for my graduate degree I was fortunate enough to train with world renowned therapist Harlene Anderson and receive training from AAMFT seasoned and approved supervisors in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. I gained extensive experience working for my graduate department's therapy program and for a local non-profit.
Upon graduating with my masters degree, I taught a two part introductory course in Psychology for Iona College's undergraduate program. I've led faith based community workshops on "safe relationships" in affiliation with Trinity Baptist Church in Manhattan. I served as a trauma therapist, working with victims of crime for Westcop (a Westchester non-profit organization) for three years. Most recently, I became a level 1 trained EMDR practitioner.
