Even before I began my journey toward a PhD in clinical psychology, I’d long been interested in the multi-faceted mind-body connection and its vital role in health and well-being. A passionate devotion to yoga led me along many avenues of study, during which I attained several yoga teaching certifications and owned a yoga studio in Coconut Grove. I am grateful that my love of science and Eastern modalities could both be brought to bear on my doctoral dissertation, which evaluated the potential of yoga to reduce stress and to improve the quality of sleep. This exploration is still the fabric of my work, life and study.
I have completed specialty trainings in many areas of psychology. This no doubt reflects my curious nature and love of learning especially when it comes to understanding human nature. I hold certifications in Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, Mindfulness-Based Eating and evidence-based mind-body techniques, including breathing exercises and guided relaxation. I am am a certified Hypnotherapist through the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, and I offer Hypnotherapy to address a wide range of needs.
My practice is loosely centered on working with depression, anxiety and stress reduction. I have also helped many clients deal with OCD and the trauma of grief and loss. Additionally, I find working with teens particularly rewarding. I have a deep empathy for the unique kind of issues and pressures they are coming up against, consequently I have also provided assistance in parenting concerns and family dynamics.
My approach is eclectic and inspired mostly by person-centered, insight-oriented, positive psychology. Irvin Yalom, Martin Seligman and Donald Winnicott are among the more well known of those who have been an inspiration to me. Buddhist psychologists such as Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield and Jon Kabbat-Zinn have also informed me both as a therapist and a fellow human. However, the most important thing to know about me is that in the course of a therapy session my focus is to listen deeply and remain fully present. I offer each client my undivided attention, heartfelt empathy and unconditional positive regard. My many years of experience as a therapist has taught me that this work is a profound collaboration, more an art than a science, with no “one size fits all” approach. Together we will create a space of emotional safety in which you can step back, pause, breathe, and attain life-altering and fresh perspectives on old patterns and narratives that may no longer be serving you. At every step of the process, you will have my unwavering support.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and my doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern. Although I often feel nostalgia for my hometown, I have continual appreciation for the sun, the beach, and the multi-cultural beauty of Miami. When I’m not working, I’m often teaching or practicing yoga, baking, listening to a podcast or hanging out with my two teenage boys.
It is an honor and a privilege to be invited into your world so to speak. I look forward to hearing about the issues I might assist with and beginning a relationship based in confidentiality, mutual respect and trust.