Career History

I began my career in counseling by providing individual/group therapy and academic coaching to young adults on the Autism Spectrum who were living on Fairleigh Dickinson University's campus in Madison, NJ. This opportunity exposed me to a variety of presenting problems in connection with ASD, such as; anxiety, depression, identity exploration, social skills issues, and more! One of my favorite things about working in this program, aside from building connections with such a lovely population, was the opportunity to help young adults learn to self-advocate and build a world for themselves in which they could see success in their future.

Eventually I transitioned to a group practice in North Jersey where I provided individual/family therapeutic services to children, teens, young adults, and adults. During my time at this group practice I primarily worked with clients who struggled with PTSD, OCD, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+ Issues, and clients who struggled with suicidal ideation and/or previous suicide attempts.

Perspective

In the therapeutic space I have always felt that the relationship between client and clinician holds immense power and contributes to client success. That said, I place high importance on creating a warm, compassionate, genuine, safe, and welcoming environment for my clients so that I can most effectively help them through what they are struggling with.

In treatment I utilize DBT, CBT, and Existential Therapy techniques to guide clients towards effectively regulating emotions, tolerating distress, improving interpersonal relationships, and observing/adjusting behaviors. I rely on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) protocols to help individuals with trauma or PTSD decrease PTSD-related symptoms and move towards healing. In treatment I also place importance on improving the abilities for one to mindfully interact with their challenges and day-to-day experiences.

Education

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor exclusively serving clients in the state of New Jersey. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Public Health at William Paterson University of New Jersey. My education at WPU was stellar and provided me with the necessary experiences and education to provide for clients in the way that I do now!

After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I immediately transitioned to a graduate program focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. At FDU I was exposed to the fundamental knowledge that all counselors need to succeed and provide for clients effectively, but more importantly I was exposed to the many opportunity in counseling, such as; trauma. Quickly trauma work became a large part of my counseling identity and I was eventually granted the opportunity to become EMDR trained.

Personal

I currently live with my partner and our three babies (cats) in Florham Park, NJ.

When I am not providing therapy you can find me outside enjoying nature walks, taking it easy at home playing with my cats, watching a good horror show/movie, or engaging in some simple crafts (I have recently fallen in love with paint-by-numbers, and diamond painting). I have always self-identified as a bit of a nerd, as I really enjoy Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones, and don’t get me started on reality tv!

Below are pictures and descriptions of my kitties, they will often join our virtual sessions to keep us company!

This is Ruth! She is the cat that will visit us most during sessions. Nicknames- Rudy-Ru, Ruthie Bean, Lil Ru.

This is Sasha! Sadly, because of me, she doesn’t quite know her name because I can’t help but call her “SHTINKY!”. This has become the only name she responds to.

This is Penny! She is the sleepiest of the bunch, but when she gets her zoomies you better get out of her way. Nicknames- Lil Pen, Penny Wenny, Miss Pen.