About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Westport, CT. I work with adolescents, adults, and families, and also provide training and consultation to other professionals and the community. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder  (PTSD), relationship problems, and mood disorders. I believe in providing only the highest standard of mental health care for psychological disorders-- evidence-based treatments-- and strive to combine the science of research-based therapy with warmth, care, and compassion.  

Education:

I received my undergraduate degree through the Honors Program at The University of Connecticut, Summa Cum Laude, in 2000.

I then received a Master of Arts degree in Literature from New York University in 2003.

After working in other fields, I completed my Master of Social Work degree in Advanced Clinical Practice, Summa Cum Laude, at Columbia University in 2010. As a graduate student, I was awarded the Judith Holm Memorial Award of Excellence in Preparation for Clinical Practice. I completed clinical training in psychiatric social work at the New York Presbyterian Hospital- Westchester Division.

Professional Training:

I have completed immersive training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with  treatment developer Steven C. Hayes, PhD, and  colleagues. I continue to be engaged in ongoing  professional consultation with Master ACT Trainer and author Robyn Walser, PhD, in order to ensure that I deliver ACT treatment that is evidence-based,  compassionate, and effective.  

I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and in the specific CBT protocol for OCD-- Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) through the University of Pennsylvania Perelman Medical School Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety Disorders.

I am a Certified DBT Therapist through the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification. The DBT Certification requires a rigorous review of a clinician's knowledge and skills in application of the treatment over the course of 12-24 months. 

Additionally, I have completed Intensive Training in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and DBT-Informed Prolonged Exposure Therapy (DBT-PE), the gold standard in treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.

Professional Experience:

Prior to entering private practice, I worked with the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health (CCBH) as a Senior Clinician, where I led DBT Skills Groups for adolescents and adults, and provided clinical supervision for other therapists. At CCBH, I also co-created and implemented a DBT Skills Program for the Stamford Public School System. 

Prior to CCBH, I served as a clinician in two community mental health agencies, Family Services of Westchester, and The Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County. In both of these agencies, I created and implemented Standard DBT Programs, which allowed families to access the highest standard of care for high-risk behaviors.

I have also worked with clients with eating disorders at the residential level of care, and with adults with severe and persistent mental illness at the inpatient level of care.

Philosophy:

In every interaction, my goal is to create a partnership that supports each individual’s unique strengths and hopes, and fosters a sense of empowerment. I bring my love of both teaching and learning, and over 20 years of personal mindfulness practice to my work as a therapist. I aim to deliver effective treatment, while also addressing the needs of the whole person, including areas of spirituality, creative expression, and mind-body health. In my work with adolescents, I see the family as a holistic system, and provide ongoing psychoeducation and support for parents.

I am grateful each day for my clients’ courage and willingness to allow me to witness their journeys, and never cease to be awed by the strength and resiliency of the human spirit.