About Me
I am a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing psychotherapy for over 25 years in Huntington, New York. I started my professional learning at Temple University, where I obtained my Masters in Social Work. After completing this, I went on to obtain my credentials in substance abuse counseling (CASAC) in order to further my skills to help my patients impacted by addiction. My extensive training and experience in this area has helped to inform my work with my patients who are struggling in this area.
I studied in a three year-long Child and Adolescent program at The William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology, a respected psychoanalytic training and treatment center. The program provided me with expertise in the psychodynamic understanding and treatment of adolescents and children, in addition to an in-depth comprehension of childhood development. This is key in understanding the human psyche. Following my training, I was asked to teach a course in developmental issues in families and children for psychology doctoral students in the child and adolescent externship program at The White Institute.
From there, I sought to expand my knowledge and skill base to more concentrated work working with couples. I was trained under Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, who pioneered A Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT). The PACT approach is a unique and effective way toward helping couples.
Qualifications
Boston University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
South Oaks Hospital
CASAC, Drug & Alcohol Counseling
William Alanson White Institute
Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
PACT
Trained Couples Therapist
Temple University
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
My Practice
My practice consists of treating couples, adults and adolescents, some of whom are struggling with issues such as divorce, bereavement, anxiety, depression, infidelity, and addictions.
In order to ensure the highest standard of care of my patients, I collaborate regularly with other mental health professionals in the community as well as connecting to school personnel, and referral sources as needed. Taking in-depth developmental history and family history are all part of developing a picture of each individual who comes to my practice and is key in the beginning of treatment and the beginning of understanding who you are.
My work with couples incorporates many facets of my education and is designed to help couples recognize and understand patterns of behavior within the couple relationship. The focus of the work is for couples to develop securely functioning relationships, which is based on true mutuality and is the basis of PACT. This concept is developed from an understanding of personality, biology and development of the brain. The goal of the work is for couples to operate in a system, not only based on true mutuality, but of fairness, sensitivity, and justice. When couples become true experts on one another they can avoid many of the pitfalls of couple relationships.
