I have been a practicing clinician since 2006 when I obtained my Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern University. Prior to that I earned my Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University. My early experience included working as an emergency room crisis counselor in both Camden and Cherry Hill, NJ. There I provided assessments and assisted individuals in need of higher levels of care. I went on to do individual and group therapy in both private and community mental health clinics in central PA and then in Philadelphia. I have been working in private practice since 2008 and currently have an office in Wayne. Through the years, I have had experience working with a wide range of concerns including mood disorders, relationship issues, abuse, grief & loss, addiction, and vocational challenges as well as those simply desiring personal growth.

I believe in the therapeutic process because I know that it is effective. With help, you can change and you can heal. Over the years, I have collaborated with many brave individuals as well as couples and have seen transformation first hand. My role in the process is to provide you with a space where you are safe to speak freely, where you are confident that you will be heard, and to facilitate the process of discovery and healing. Just as each person is unique, each client has unique needs and the therapy must be tailored to each individual and couple. I firmly believe that the most important part of effective therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. Beyond any specific theory or technique, it is critical that you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist. I would love to meet for a consultation to see if I am a good fit for you.  If not, I won’t be offended and perhaps can help connect you with someone else. I want you to have the best counseling experience possible, whether that is with me or not. My priority is developing a trusting relationship with clients to ensure a foundation for healing.

The tagline for Circle Counseling, the group practice I was a part of for 12 years, is "Counseling Services Grounded in Faith.' I think this helps describe my approach to the intersection of counseling and faith. I am not a Biblical Counselor but rather a Christian who is a Clinical Counselor. My faith informs my understanding of the therapeutic process and how I practice. What does that mean? First of all, it means that unlike some psychotherapists in the field today, I will not pathologize your Christian beliefs or the role of your faith in healing. Second, if you are willing, I would be glad to work with you in exploring your view of God and how that relates to your view of others and view of yourself. It may also involve understanding how your faith informs your choices, patterns and coping strategies or perhaps processing through any challenges and doubts you may be experiencing. What doesn’t it mean? I will not force you to talk about your faith, but I will provide a safe place should you choose to do so.

SERVICES

I practice an integrative approach to counseling using both cognitive and psychodynamic techniques to not only address present symptoms, but also to begin identifying and resolving the underlying cause. Real change comes from getting at the root of problems rather than simply alleviating the symptoms. It is important to recognize symptoms as significant indicators (like a fever indicates an infection). Symptoms are clearly uncomfortable and certainly need to be attended to through the process of therapy, but should also be used as a guide to identify and resolve what is producing the symptoms. It is much like physical pain, which can often be addressed with medication but not without understanding and attending to what is causing the pain.

Discovering these root causes and understanding our responses is a collaborative process and often means exploring both the present and the past to recognize how different patterns and coping strategies developed as well as how they may be altered to enable a more healthful life. Have you ever wondered why you keep ending up in the same situation? We all have patterns that have evolved over the years. For many, they started as potentially helpful ways of coping with life but may no longer be helpful and, for some, even harmful. Thankfully, these negative patterns can be changed.

Let me be clear, there is no set way to do this. It is about what you need and where you are. I have worked with people on a short term basis, focusing on a very specific concern, while others come for extended periods. It simply depends upon how deeply you want to explore yourself and your patterns.

Modality:

Individual

Demographic:

Adults

Seniors/Elders

Client Concerns:

Anxiety

Codependency/Dependency

Communication Problems

Depression

Emotional Abuse

Family Conflict

Grief, Loss & Bereavement

Life Purpose/Meaning

Life Transitions

Relationships/Marriage

Self Esteem

Social Anxiety/Phobia

Sexual Assault/Abuse

Sleep/Insomnia

Spirituality

Suicidal Ideation

Trauma and PTSD

Fees:

My fee is $170+/session and is based on my training, my experience and the ongoing development of my skills. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. Cash, check or Stripe (credit cards) are accepted forms of payment. I also accept HSA and FSA funds.

Insurance:

I have chosen not to work directly with insurance companies. However, your insurance company may provide you with reimbursement for my services as an out-of-network provider. Upon request, I will provide you with a formal receipt for submission to your insurance company with the required codes, etc.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the session.