Hi! I’m glad you’re here. You have taken the first step toward changing what doesn’t work for you. That takes guts. With hard work and a bit of humor I would be happy to help you find ways around any obstacles in your path. If there is anything I have learned in the 28 years that I have been doing this therapy thing, it’s that life is unpredictable and demands some flexibility from us at times. Asking for help is so important, no matter your age, intelligence level or socioeconomic status. Pain and discomfort do not discriminate. My approach to therapy is rather eclectic. I am disciplined in Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, which work on goals and ways to achieve them from short term to long term. This works well for people who like to see their progress ongoing. Because I am a Clinical Social Worker, I have been taught to see the whole, big picture in a person’s life. Family of origin (Systems) therapy includes genograms which help build an understanding of how individuals become who they are today. We learn coping skills (or lack of), conflict styles, roles we’ve adopted, mannerisms, prejudices, etc. from our adoptive families and/or our families of origin; not to mention what we’ve been given in our genetics. I can help you explore this area. which can be an important tool in your understanding of yourself and/or partners and extended family members. I have a long, successful track record spent helping individuals, couples and families better communicate, work through conflict resolution and work toward being their best selves. From working with parents with infertility to getting to the core of a person’s unknown sadness takes honesty with someone you feel safe with . This can take time, but it’s worth all the effort. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get right to a problem and work through it. Anxiety and depression combined with difficult circumstances make for some very uncomfortable feelings and behaviors. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. Like addiction, trauma stunts a persons’ emotional growth making it difficult to cope with discomfort. I have a great deal of experience helping people grow this part of themselves that is so often neglected. I’d like to help you realize that you’re never quite as alone in this world as you may think. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from The University of Maryland and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. I have worked in private practice for the majority of my 28 years; however, have also worked in psych hospitals, residential treatment centers and outpatient mental health centers . Age groups span from 8 to 86. With regard to availability I check and respond to messages at least twice daily Monday through Friday and once or twice on weekends. I also offer live chat and video sessions on select days/evenings. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to get started on your new path forward.