My Approach to Helping
Life is stressful. Maybe you are struggling with anxiety, critical self-talk, bad habits, or relationship problems. Maybe you are repeating the same negative behaviors, knowing they're not working, but not knowing how to stop. Or maybe you are looking for a space to talk about your daily struggles. You've taken the first step, perhaps the hardest step in changing your struggles. Let's continue to move forward.
Therapy can be a powerful tool to help you understand your needs, gain insight into your struggles, and help identify positive changes you'd like to make in your life. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides therapy for individuals aged teens to adults. I provide a safe, caring, nonjudgmental space so that you can explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to feeling stuck, or the difficulties of not knowing what to do next. I strive for a collaborative process in which we work together to identify what you want your life to look like, and how best to make that happen.
You are complex, your needs are complex, and I am trained in various treatment models to address your needs. You may hear "buzz" words about different types of therapies. The most important aspect of therapy is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship to create a comfortable, productive space for talking. I use a combination of humor and compassion to gain an understanding of your ways of thinking, feeling and behaving that reinforces the very problems and patterns that you want to change. I am trained in CBT, DBT, and can provide EMDR treatment. We will work together to develop creative strategies to address your needs and find healthy and adaptive changes.
More Info About My Practice
-I have openings for evenings and Saturday appointments.
-Many are unsure about telehealth. I find telehealth can be as effective as in person, and offers more flexibility for scheduling meeting days and times. I currently offer telehealth services through a HIPAA compliant platform.
-I am a staff psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at MGH, and an Instructor of Psychology in the Harvard Medical School, with almost 15 years experience in the field. I specialize in Addiction Psychology, Moderation Management, Harm Reduction Therapies, and Trauma Informed Therapy.
-I have specialized training in the CRAFT methodology, as well as other family and substance use interventions for parents or caregivers for help changing their child's substance use, or other difficult behaviors.
- I provide treatment with EMDR for trauma, stuck coping skills, or behavioral addictions, including: sexual addictions; gambling; compulsive shopping, eating, internet use, and repetitive re-engagement in unsatisfying or harmful relationships.
-I work with teens and adults to find strategies to address topics like life transitions, stress management, depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, substance use or other behavior struggles.
-I offer a down to earth approach at looking at your needs. Sometimes we will be serious, sometimes we will use humor, sometimes you will see my mischievous dog pop up on screen.
Had a Negative Therapy Experience?
I'm sorry to hear that.
I can imagine the frustration that can come from trying to seek help and feel let down.
A good therapist will not make you guarantees on outcomes. However, I will listen to your needs, ask you to tell me what works, and what does not work for you. I want to know what you find helpful, and what has not been helpful in the past, or if we need to adjust our work together. This is your treatment, it has to feel good for you.
Don't let a previously bad experience stop you from the potential of finding a therapist that's a better fit.