+ From your perspective, what is therapy?

Therapy is healing and growth. We all come to therapy for a reason - whether to get unstuck from a particular pattern, to learn to deal with a difficult situation, or to move past some pain that we can’t seem to let go of. Therapy helps us make the changes that we want to through a journey of mindfulness and self-discovery.

+ Are there any philosophies or values that inform your work that I should know about?

Human beings are complex, but if we look hard enough we can find the reasons why we do things. Sometimes those reasons have to do with the way we think, how our body reacts, or how we respond in relationships. My job is to help you find those reasons, and, when you are ready, help you to change. For the jargon lovers: I use a combination of psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing to help you access your own ability to heal.

In proper English, that means I will ask about your past and discuss how it impacts your life today, we’ll talk about the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and what you can do to change them, you’ll learn stress reduction and focusing techniques, and we’ll talk about how stress and negative feelings are stored in the body, and how to release that tension.

+ What is a psychotherapist, anyway?

The term psychotherapist refers to any licensed professional trained to help people with their mental health, using therapeutic techniques to improve psychological wellness. Psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and others can all be included under the umbrella term of psychotherapist.

+ What is that alphabet soup after your name?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which means that I’m licensed and trained to provide diagnoses, treatment plans, and interventions for psychological issues; I am also a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, with an additional speciality in Gambling addiction (CASAC-G).

+ Where did you work before going into private practice?

After graduation, I worked at Pride of Judea (a Jewish Board mental health clinic) for about three years. This was a really great experience–I was able to practice treating the widest variety of people and problems. For Chai Lifeline, I used grief and loss techniques with children and families contending with chronic pediatric illness. At The Safe Foundation, I honed my addiction skills with individuals, groups, and families struggling with addiction.

+ Have you received any particular training beyond your post-Bachelor’s training?

I have a credential in Alcoholism and Substance Use treatment, with a speciality in Gambling Addiction (CASAC-G). I have been a mindfulness practitioner since 2012, completed an eight week mindfulness course, and have attended multiple meditation retreats. This experience greatly informs my practice in working with stress, addiction, and trauma.

+ How should I prepare for my first session with you?

There’s an old slogan from Alcoholics Anonymous: Bring the body, and the mind will follow. If you like, think about what is leading you to seek therapy now, at this point in your life. I will guide you through the rest of the beginning process.

+ Do I need to bring anything with me?

Bring your phone, in case you have trouble finding my office or are running late. And bring whatever form of payment works for you!

+ Do I need to be mindful of anything in particular while commuting to your office?

Riverdale Office: Entry to the office is through the parking lot behind the building; there is no entry from the front of the building. Parking is available for clients in that same parking lot.