What if you allowed yourself the chance to be heard, seen, and validated for the person you are today while learning how to become the best version of yourself? Would you do it? Our lives and problems are complex, but the healing process does not have to be. Taking the step to find a therapist can be intimidating and full of unanswered questions. Your journey to inner peace starts with allowing yourself to be vulnerable and safely co-regulate with another human. I strive to create a safe, warm, nonjudgmental, non-biased environment for people to explore difficult issues and gain awareness and skills to manage them. I use a holistic, strength-based, client-centered, collaborative approach to help individuals gain insight into their healing from distress. With my guidance, I hope to empower individuals to unlock and celebrate their inner strengths and find confidence in overcoming life challenges. Whether you seek a sounding board to help process stressors and challenges, learn new skills to manage distressing symptoms, or better understand how your thinking impacts your feelings and behaviors, I look forward to joining you on your journey of self-exploration.
My Professional Background
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Credentialled Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York State. I graduated from the University at Buffalo with a master’s degree in social work and bring over 24 years of clinical experience across various therapeutic environments including private practice, community-based systems, structured mental health and substance use disorder outpatient and inpatient programs, hospital psychiatric emergency programs, and taught at a local community college. I have experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with the following issues: anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, substance use disorders, guilt and shame, ADHD, anger management, depression, grief and loss, trauma and attachment, relational discord, identity issues, and self-esteem.
Education, Training, and Certifications
- University at Buffalo: Master of Social Work
- State University of New York at Geneseo: BA in Psychology, Sociology
- Credentialled Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Master: 20530
- EMDRIA Therapy Basic Training Certificate for Original Shapiro Model EMDR, through Buffalo EMDR Training Institute
- Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program
- Polyvagal Theory: Pathways to Stillness with Deb Dana
- Grief Summit 2023
- Certificate(s) of completion for 30 hours of OASAS Clinical Supervision training
- The Living Legacy of Trauma with Janina Fisher, PhD: Tangible Tools to Transform Clinical Practice
Fun Facts
I am a sun lover, and you can find me by the pool or at the lake in the summertime! I live in a tourist area and enjoy local amenities, restaurants, and community events. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, socializing, and traveling. When I have downtime, I enjoy reading, gardening, playing video games, watching movies, and playing with my dog and cats. When possible, I like to have fresh-cut flowers and enjoy art. I find humor, laughter, and not taking myself too seriously are essential to living my best life. I would like to learn a new language and get a new tattoo.
