he/him/they/them

Education & Training:

• Master of Social Science in Social Work (MSSW) with a concentration of Advanced Clinical Practice – Columbia University School of Social Work
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Social Work – Skidmore College
• Post Master’s Online Certificate Program in Advanced Assessment and Diagnosis – New York University Silver School of Social Work

Specialties:

I specialize in working with adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, and grief, particularly those struggling to cope with difficult life events. I help adults get over their emotional challenges. These challenges may include emotional turmoil of having worrisome thoughts, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, hopelessness, and insomnia stemming from the loss of a loved one or a job, the aftermath of recent divorce or relationship breakup, or the shock of an unexpected diagnosis of a chronic health condition such as cancer or heart disease.

Clinical Style & Theoretical Orientation:

I take an integrated psychodynamic approach that incorporates elements of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. I prioritize high professional and ethical standards in providing therapy. I assist clients with navigating their personal doubts, fears, and shame caused by negative societal and cultural stigmas around mental health to feel more confident about participating in therapy, leaving them more empowered in every session.

In my therapy sessions, I assist clients with developing positive emotional responses by helping them untangle their negative thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that keep them trapped in cycles of distress. I assist adults with examining their emotional responses, such as hopelessness and helplessness, which can worsen a difficult situation. This may result in persistent feelings of anxiousness, frustration, and guilt.

My approach is collaborative, supportive, and direct to help clients break free from patterns of avoidance, perfectionism, and negative self-judgment. I encourage my clients to navigate their conflicts by utilizing mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises, grounding practices, body scans, and self-journaling. Together, we explore the differences between the beliefs they’ve been taught about themselves and the realities of their lived experiences.

Clients confront and transform their negative self-defeating stories into uplifting self-narratives through our sessions. Incorporating a person-centered approach that allows our therapy sessions to be collaborative and individually tailored treatment based upon the client’s needs to achieve their objectives.

During the therapeutic process, clients are encouraged to express their unique experiences, which results in personal transformation. This shift not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their self-esteem, leading to positive changes in behavior for a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Lived Identity:

• Proud native New Yorker, first-generation college graduate, divorced parent of one adult son.
• Lived experience managing chronic health issues of Cardiovascular disease (CVDs), and Stage 4 Colon & Liver Cancer Survivor.
• Lived abroad in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a decade.

Personal Interest:

Traveling, creative writing, volunteering, mentoring

Insurance:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross (New York commercial plans only, accepted via Headway)
• Cigna/Evernorth
• Fidelis Care
• Meritain Health
• United/Oxford/Optum
• Out-of-network (billed through Thrizer)