My philosophy and vision in treatment involves facilitating a combination of talk therapy and mindful body practices, enabling each person to realize his or her unique self with compassion and awareness.

I help individuals process change - wanted or unwanted. Losses are important to recognize and acknowledge their importance. Some losses we experienced earlier this week, others happened to us while we were quite young. I'll educate to acknowledge the presence of emotions, monitor emotions, and the ability to listen to their important messages that will lead to growth and behavior that is beneficial! I've found I'm a great fit for the 20-something to 40-something man who isn't easily aware of his emotions and therefore may be experiencing shortcomings (or roadblocks) in his life. Clients who work in the Arts, Education, Finance, and Entrepreneurs find my style complimentary to their own strengths and perspectives.

As clinical psychologists we understand that your life can be complex. There are various demands and expectations at different life stages that can be impacted by situational and mental health struggles. It's important to be mindful of the interaction between those demands and your stage of life. For example, you may be an adult feeling overwhelmed with anxiety worrying about aging parents while managing your spouse and children's needs. your needs in this scenario would be different than an anxious adolescent trying to cope with school, friendship, and family demands. We recognize and respect that people have individual needs throughout the lifespan and we want to work closely and collaboratively with you to ensure that you reach your goals to a richer and more satisfying life.

I have over 10 years of providing compassionate and empowering mental healthcare. I have worked with clients to strengthen family connections, build healthy communication skills, increase emotional stability, and decrease self defeating behaviors. Outside of work, you can find me on a hike, enjoying coffee with friends, or in a meditation class.

My specialties are acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), advocacy, agency, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), crisis counseling, cultural competence, diversity, domestic violence, empowerment, equity and inclusion, LGBTQIA+, substance use, trauma, and psychotherapy that includes interventions like mindfulness, meditation, and holistic treatment.

My psychotherapy practice is based on a few essential beliefs: 1) Creating emotional safety and mutual trust is at the heart of the therapy process. 2) The therapeutic relationship is the vehicle to healing and growing. 3) Humans need connection/relationship in order to thrive, along with a sense of autonomy, and a deep sense of being known and loved in spite of our flaws. 4) Our brains and bodies are biologically hard wired for survival; our earliest relationships teach us what we need to do to feel safe. This hard wiring can change if we have healing interaction with others. 5) Couples/Families can create safety for each other if they learn new ways of relating. 6) Therapy is not an endless process. I offer individualized therapy and through the work my clients find that: they develop a stronger self image, recognize what they can and cannot control, decrease anxiety and conflict in close relationships and in relationships at work, create emotional safety for those they love as well as for themselves, cope with stress using new skills, understand the connections between what they think, feel, and believe, are able to be more self aware, and learn to live life with a sense of intention, satisfaction, comfort,and pleasure. I have been a successful therapist for almost four decades, with ongoing training in different therapies. My approach is integrative, relational, and is tailored to the needs of my clients. Over the years I have been with clients as they discover or share their darkest experiences and most shameful secrets. It is a privilege to work with people, listen to them, witness their life experience, and and empower the to lighten the weight they carry. It is also a privilege to witness as repair in relationships takes place, and to be with patients as they experience growth, strive for goals, and find satisfaction and joy in their endeavors.

In the several years I've been in this profession, I'm extremely grateful that I've had the opportunity to work with many different populations. I graduated from UConn in 2018 with my master's in marriage and family therapy. After my master's, I worked for a non-profit in Willimantic, CT where I treated those with co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges. In 2019, I had a full-time job in Willimantic and went back to UConn for my PhD and also opened a private practice that same year. Throughout my PhD, my research has predominantly focused on sexuality and sexual health. Specifically, I research pornography consumption and how it impacts well-being. Currently, I own a private practice where I specialize in sex therapy. I also work with people who face relationship challenges (whatever that looks like for you) and anxiety that impacts happiness and overall well-being.

Every conversation makes a difference. The differences may be subtle or they can be life-changing. I work in a direct and warm manner, creating an environment that is dynamic and safe. The therapeutic relationship is a very important one and can provide the basis for navigating through difficult life transitions, improving communication skills, healing from a loss, or exploring possibilities for enhancing one's life.

I believe in the Rogerian principle of having unconditional positive regard for my clients. This means that you will not be judged no matter what you share with me and that I will work with you toward the best outcome. I want to build upon your strengths and help you gain knowledge from past disappointments as building blocks toward a better tomorrow.

Talking about sex and problematic sexual behaviors is often stigmatized by society, family or culture. My main goal is provide a safe place where one can openly discuss sexual concerns and we can work together to determine if they are problematic or to discuss the impact of another's sexual behaviors on you. Too often, it is assumed that therapy around sexual addiction or sexuality is about stopping one's sexual behavior. Here, we work to define your sexuality as an individual. Work may include trauma focused work in order to gain access to underlying concerns, or it may involve sex education to best claim your sexuality. Working with loved ones of sex addicts, including parents, often includes shame reduction and healthy boundary work. Whatever the work is, you are part of the treatment team and the most important part of guiding therapy.

Whether you are seeking therapy for the first time, you're transitioning out of a higher level of care, or you're somewhere in between, my goal is to help you experience relief from your symptoms and get back to living life on your terms. I work with teenagers (13+) and adults and specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. I also have experience in treating PTSD and OCD and understand the importance of providing trauma-informed care. Regardless of your diagnosis, I believe that it's important to tailor each person's treatment to their specific needs. As part of my treatment approach, I believe that each session is an opportunity for you to develop a deeper awareness of the self, uncover patterns, learn to build tolerance for uncomfortable emotions, and strengthen self-compassion. I also provide art therapy, which allows you to express emotions and process experiences that may be difficult to speak about. I have seen first-hand how both talk therapy and art therapy can encourage growth and support an increase in self-awareness and mindfulness. I look forward to the opportunity to help you or your child gain support and learn skills that will be beneficial for years to come!

Life can be very stressful with the many obligations and demands placed on us. Whether it be at home or work, being overwhelmed seems to be 'the norm' these days. You may feel like you have to do it all or somehow, you're a failure. Maybe you're feeling that having the relationships you want are out of reach; or living the life you always imagined just isn't happening; or feeling alone even when surrounded by people. I chose to be a therapist because I know firsthand that change is possible. You see, it was by reaching out for help that I was able to break the patterns that were preventing me from reaching my goals. I decided I wanted to help others the way I was helped. If you're willing to do the work, you can have the life you long for. You only need to believe it's possible. I do.