WELCOME
For many people, planned or unexpected transitions can be stressful. A transition may include the resurfacing of buried pain and troubling behavior, and may lead to a fundamental shift in our understanding of ourselves or others. I have had the great privilege of supporting adults as they navigate these transitions and develop the insight and skills to move forward with strength.
Reaching out for support can be daunting. You may be seeking to address troubling patterns of behavior, painful relationships, or difficulties in coping with stress or reaching your goals. The therapeutic process can help. I look forward to collaborating with you on what will be a challenging and rewarding journey.
As a clinical psychologist I provide therapy to individuals age 18 and older in the Washington, DC area. I specialize in the treatment of trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly those related to childhood abuse and neglect, as well as a variety of forms of anxiety and depression including postpartum mood disruptions.
APPROACH
Periods of turmoil are painful and difficult to navigate. I believe all people can find equilibrium, strength and internal calm, and that these changes take place in the context of a compassionate, connected relationship. A key component of a successful treatment is the 'fit' between therapist and client. Together we will work to identify treatment goals and move towards symptom relief and personal change, always with an eye towards safety in the therapeutic relationship.
I am psychodynamically oriented and thus I believe that our early experiences have had an impact on how we have developed, how we form relationships, and how we make decisions. Thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations that are not in our conscious awareness may impact how we make choices. Our work together will help to move these unconscious variables into conscious awareness so that you can respond and make decisions more deliberately. Additionally, I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which has been established as one of the most effective psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD. When indicated, I draw on other modalities including mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Areas of Specialization and Training
Depression
Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety, depression, and panic
Trauma & PTSD
LGBTQIA+
Education
PsyD in Clinical Psychology from William James College, Massachusetts
Dissertation: Sexual Desire Disorders in Straight-Identified, Premenopausal Women
BA in Psychology from Boston University, Massachusetts
Clinical Experience
Private Practice, Washington DC
Georgetown University Counseling and Psychiatric Services, Washington DC
McLean Hospital, Southeast, Harvard Medical School Affiliate, in-patient treatment, Massachusetts
Aspire Health Alliance (formerly South Shore Mental Health), out-patient community mental health treatment, Massachusetts
Victims of Violence Program, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School Affiliate, Massachusetts
Fenway Health, Violence Recovery Program, serving primarily LGBTQIA+ young adults, Massachusetts
Supervisor, Safe Horizons Domestic Violence Shelter, New York
“This is what the things can teach us:
to fall, patiently to trust our heaviness. Even a bird has to do that before he can fly.”
- Rilke
CONNECT
For more information about my services or to determine if a consultation would be an appropriate next step, please contact me by phone: 202.922.6989 or through email. I typically return all calls and emails within one business day. In your voicemail or email, please let me know what you are seeking help for and how you were referred to me.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONs
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE PHONE CONSULTATION AND INITIAL SESSIONS?
During our free 15 minute phone consultation I will ask you questions related to what you wish to address in treatment and a little bit about your history. If we mutually agree to proceed, we will then meet for up to three consultation sessions in my office to determine together if we are a good match. Much of therapy is dependent on a good fit between the therapist and the client, so this is an opportunity for us to determine if we will work well together.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I accept Georgetown University Student Health Insurance (GUSHI). I am otherwise out-of-network for all other health insurers and can provide you with a statement of service form which can be used for reimbursement from your insurance company. Reimbursement rates vary so it is best to contact your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network deductible and benefits.
HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?
I begin meeting with all clients once a week. Under some circumstances I may recommend a more intensive period of treatment.
HOW LONG WILL THERAPY LAST?
Until we begin meeting it will be hard to know how long therapy will take. Some circumscribed concerns can be addressed in just a few sessions. Other concerns that are broader or affect multiple domains of an individual's life can take several months or even years.