HOW I WORK
Some of the most important questions that people have to answer when looking for a therapist are “Can this person help me?” “What kind of training do they have?” and “What would it be like to work with them?”
Below you’ll find some of this information so you can see if what I do sounds useful, and if you feel we might work together well.
Who is this person?
HOW I WORK ON A PRACTICAL LEVEL
In session, my clients set the agenda and the goals. I listen for patterns that may help them understand what is happening on a deeper level, and for underlying causes of pain. I ask questions to clarify. Therapy is healing. Sometimes the healing is fast, sometimes slow, depending on what the issues are and when clients feel ready to address them. Sometimes there is a conflict between the need to feel safe and the desire for change: part of my job is to attune to how my clients feel emotionally so we can go at the pace that’s right for them.
Will I feel safe?
MY TRAININg / CREDENTIALS
I hold an LCSW license in New York and Pennsylvania
I have an MS in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University
I have a BA from Cambridge University
Most of my clinical training was at a large New York outpatient clinic called the “Blanton Peale Institute & Counseling Center.” However I continue to train in new treatments that I believe will be of help to my clients.
THE METHODS I AM TRAINED IN
There are many different therapy “modalities.” Some therapists prefer to stick to one but I am trained in a few (see below) and I like to use whichever I feel will work best for each individual, taking into account my clients’ preferences.
Most of the modalities I use are “evidence based.” However I also have a background in "psychodynamic theory” which informs how I listen, and which techniques I use.
My training includes certification in:
EMDR for trauma
Narrative therapy
IPSRT for bipolar disorder
CBTI, or “Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia”
Motivational interviewing
Exposure for OCD
Perinatal mood disorders (this includes both pregnancy and postpartum issues)
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?
First we have a free consultation so you can see if the way I work, my fees, and my availability work for you. This also allows me to see if my skills match what you need.
If we both feel this is a good match, we find a time to meet. Our first meeting will be a diagnostic session: unlike a normal therapy session, I ask a lot of clinical questions to understand the stressors you’ve been under, and to see if there are underlying medical issues that may require medical care. (For example, thyroid issues can cause depression.) Next we would meet at a regular time each week.
I look forward to hearing from you.