“What made you become a therapist?” is the question I am most frequently asked by clients. Actually, therapy is a second career for me. I worked in medical sales for over 25 years. Thirty years ago, I took the single step in my journey and obtained professional help. It was my own therapist who greatly influenced me in changing careers. Her positive impact on both my life and the decisions I needed to make had me question my career in medical sales.

About a year later, I was accepted to Fordham University in the Graduate School of Social Services program. Initially my focus was cognitive behavior because of my curiosity of how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors are intertwined and affect outcomes. I also focused on addiction studies, primarily because my family tree has alcoholism sprouted on most of its branches. Both of my internships were spent in substance abuse rehabilitation centers. This gave me greater understanding of addiction and the enabling behaviors of family members.

During my career as a therapist, I worked for two separate mental health agencies. I assisted clients with many issues including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, feelings of low self-esteem and low self-worth, scholastic decisions and concerns, coping skills, communication deficits, relationship conflicts and anger management. In 2010 I began my private practice, which includes teenagers, college-age young men, adults, couples and families.

Continuing education and development foster my desire to learn and grow as a therapist. It provides the ability to strengthen the areas I currently focus on and allows me to open the door to the study of other behaviors. In 2020 I acquired certifications in Addiction Counseling and Sexology. Currently, I am in the process of obtaining a certification for Violence Against Women. The acquisition of these certifications not only broadens my horizon professionally and personally, it enables me to be more effective in the work we will do together.

Whether you wish to address a current challenge or a long-standing issue, I will work with you and support you with compassion, empathy and understanding. My approach to therapy is client-centered, interactive and collaborative, and I employ cognitive behavior, personality theory and other tools in my work, tailoring our path together to meet your individual needs. I will provide you the space to explore your thoughts and feelings and offer support and acceptance as you work through your challenges and move toward your goals.