Life presents all of us with many challenges. Work stress, money worries, parenting, relationships, school struggles- these are just some of the concerns that bring people to counseling. Sometimes anxiety and depression make us feel we can’t manage things as well as we’d like. At times we’re frustrated or worried about our relationships. We each have our own experiences that prompt us to talk with someone for help or ideas about how to manage things.
I have worked with people in all of these areas and more. My experience and training have taught me that each person has unique needs. When we try to use one single approach for everyone, it can create frustration and confusion. I find that it is most helpful to tailor our work together to the individual’s experience, needs, and abilities.
Sometimes just expressing our concerns brings a sense of relief, and can allow the person to move ahead on finding solutions to their worries. At other times, such as with anxiety disorders or attention deficit concerns, there are specific approaches that help the person develop greater control over their lives. Sometimes changing our thinking (cognitive therapy) improves how we feel. At other times, expressing our feelings is the priority, and once we have the chance to express ourselves, we’re freer to make good choices. Practicing new behaviors (behavioral therapy) can have the effect of changing what we feel and how we think. Learning about the brain, our thinking, and our emotions (a psychoeducational approach) often adds context to our experience and broadens our understanding of ourselves. The individual and their circumstances determine which approach is best.
We will work together to determine what will be most helpful for you as you work to improve your happiness and well-being.
I have a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University, and a Master of Youth Counseling from the International Institute for Restorative Practices. I have 30 years of mental health treatment experience in virtually every level of mental health treatment. My experience in both anxiety disorder treatment programs and eating disorder treatment programs helps me support people dealing with those very challenging conditions. I also have 17 years of experience as a Certified School Social Worker, and have worked extensively with parent, teachers, and children to address emotional and behavioral problems, including management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). I am a Certified Parent Educator via the Positive Discipline Association, an organization that helps parents and children improve emotional and behavioral management.