Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy

My Approach to Therapy
I believe that everyone is capable of feeling joy on a day-to-day basis. Most of us just need the tools to be able to tap into that potential. My approach recognizes that everyone is unique and that no one therapeutic model will work for everyone. Because I'm trained in a number of therapeutic techniques, I can customize therapy sessions on an individual level. Some of the techniques I've found helpful in my practice include: family systems theory, brief solution focused therapy, cognitive therapy, behavior modification, supportive therapy and EMDR.

One thing that is always consistent, though, is that I work from a person's strengths to help my clients develop new ways of solving problems. Instead of looking at people like they are diseases to be cured, I view people struggling with psychological problems as inherently healthy but caught in unproductive patterns.

My Background
My background is as diverse as my clients. I've worked as a registered nurse and a therapist, in hospitals and out of my home office, in groups and one-on-one. Because I'm trained in psychological as well as physical health, I can work with you not only on personal issues, but other areas of your life that can affect well-being. I believe using this kind of holistic approach to wellness, which takes into consideration a person's spiritual, physical and emotional health, is the most effective way to bring about lasting change.

Most of my studies at the Family Institute, where I got my certificate in marriage and family therapy, centered around what's called Systems Theory. This common-sense theory basically says that we are more than just individuals; we're all parts of a system and what affects one thing in the system affects the others. By looking at what part you play in larger systems, whether in your family, at work or in your social life, you can gain a tremendous amount of insight and break free of old patterns.

Clients
I work with individuals, families and couples on a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, marital conflicts, family tensions, grief and loss, and gay/lesbian issues. Some people just come in to help sort things out in their personal lives. My promise to all my clients is that I will listen to you with an empathetic ear and help you identify ways to improve your life so that you can start feeling more fulfilled and joyful.

One thing that many of my clients have found helpful is joining one of my groups. Groups are centered around a theme, such as women's groups or parenting groups. We meet for 12 to 15 weeks in a home environment, where group members share their experiences and co-counsel each other. The advantage to a group is that you get to meet people dealing with the same types of problems as you are. It can be quite a powerful experiece to realize that you are not alone and to learn how others have successfully overcome similar issues to your own.

Education, Training, and Professional Affiliations
I've dedicated much of my adult life to education and training, all of which I bring to my everyday practice. Following are some of my credentials and professional affiliations:

• .R.N., St. Louis City Hospital School of Nursing
• B.S.N., Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
• M.S.N., University of Pennsylvania, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing
• Certificate from the Family Institute of Philadelphia in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Certificate, Level 1, in EMDR
• Certification from ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Member APNA (American Psychiatric Nurses Association), National and Pennsylvania Chapters
• Member of the New Family Institute of Philadelphia Continuing Education Committee
• AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy), Clinical Member
• 23 years of experience in the psychiatric field

Contact Info
My office is located in Lansdowne, PA, and is convenient to SEPTA Rail and Bus lines. Please call me at (610) 394-6465 for more information or a phone consultation. My office hours are by appointment, and evening appointments are available. I accept most insurance plans, and look forward to hearing from you!