My journey in working with mental and emotional challenges began in 1997 as a paraprofessional in a residential program. While nervous and unsure of myself I quickly knew that this was where I belonged. My love of the work has deepened as I’ve gained experience. While my initial training and approach were psychodynamic, I now draw on a number of treatment models as well as an understanding of the impacts of systems of oppression, in order to meet the unique needs of each individual. I have advanced training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy through the Massachusetts Institute for Psychoanalysis, Janina Fisher’s model for trauma treatment, Amanda Curtin’s Relationship Recovery Process model, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. I have additional training and draw from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Finally, I have experience and interest in ADHD.

My approach is interactive. My role is not to simply listen but to explore, hypothesize, comfort, hold, guide, support, affirm and celebrate. I also aim to help clients look at hard truths with care and compassion and to facilitate the processing of grief and outrage that often comes from deeper wounds. Therapy can be a painful process but also a joyful one as you more fully embody your true self.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in private practice since 2008. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Simmons College in 2002. Prior to starting my private practice, I worked with adolescents and adults with mental health and substance use issues in a variety of settings: healthcare clinics, hospitals, residential programs, and prisons. Throughout my career, I have also enjoyed supervising other clinicians.

In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I love to laugh, to physically move, to be in the presence of water and mountains, and to spend time with loved-ones, including my cats, Diego and Sporty.