I am a native of New York and the mother of three adult children. I relocated to the state of Delaware in 1993 with my then corporate employer. I worked in the private sector including banking and as the administrator of a family owned business. My role as a mental health clinician began during my tenure at Children and Families First where I provided intensive outpatient therapy for at risk children and their families. I also facilitated parenting groups for parents and children ranging in ages 0-17 years. I worked at Meadowwood Behavioral Health Systems in both the inpatient and outpatient settings providing therapeutic services to clients impacted my mental health and substance abuse issues. I have a full-time private practice which also include counseling services for victims of sexual abuse trauma (SOAR, Survivors of Abuse in Recovery). I am an adjunct professor at Springfield College, School of Professional and Continuing Studies where I teach Graduate students issues related to mental health counseling. I also engage in public speaking events and conduct workshops.
My personal experience with mental health and its impact on family systems became the impetus for my work as a licensed mental health clinician. This experience continues to be the driving force behind my work in private practice. My theoretical base include but is not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, Gestalt and Motivational Interviewing. I do not believe in the "cookie cutter" approach to therapy. I believe each person and situation is unique and should be treated as such.
I believe in the power of journaling. Journaling also provides one with the opportunity to release thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental way. It also provides one with the opportunity to gain clarity and insight which may not otherwise be gained. It can also be used as an additional tool toward recovery during the counseling process.