About Me

Our Experiences Shape Who We Are......

I am a surfer, snowboarder, and water-loving individual. I love the nervous system and how it helps us survive and thrive. Through connection and safety, anything seems possible on our healing journey. 

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In my experience, combining somatic (body-based) and cognitive-behavioral therapy seems to profoundly impact treatment and create lasting change for most individuals. Experiencing trauma may create fragmented memories that could be reprocessed or completed by using EMDR and/or Somatic Experiencing, respectively. 

This may impact how people approach or avoid things in their lives, what they believe about themselves or the world, and their safety.   Through the model of Dr. Porges's Polyvagal Theory, it seems that a perceived or a felt sense of safety is imperative for change in ourselves and improved connection with others in relationships. 

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Training

I have prioritized bringing the latest cutting-edge, research-evidenced techniques and skills to our sessions.  I have training in the Flash Technique, EMDR 1 & 2.0; Flash Forward technique, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Trauma-informed Yoga, Complex Trauma, PTSD & Dissociation, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Ego States, IFS,  Child-Centered Play Therapy, Polyvagal Theory-informed trauma assessment and interventions; Somatic Experiencing (completed their 3-year training program); Mindful Movement; Ego States Interventions, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Clinical Supervision. 

I also have training as an integrated mental health medical provider, which speaks to the food-mood connection and impact of herbs and other holistic medicines;  I am both Certified and a Consultant in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). 

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Feel free to browse through the pages of my site to read more about these interventions. I have curated them to make these topics feel more understood and approachable.

I gravitate towards practicing a Person-Centered, Integrative, and Prescriptive therapeutic approach. We work together so they feel supported and safe, which may lead them towards their goals and an expression of their best selves, whatever that may be.

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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). I also have a Teacher of the Handicapped (TOH) certification. In my private practice, this unique blend of experience and training uses a range of therapeutic and behavioral strategies for clients and their families who want to make positive changes, challenge old belief systems, and develop new behavior patterns.

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I am passionate about teaching future Mental Health Professionals and contributing to my field. I have been an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Psychological Counseling program at New Jersey City University and an Adjunct Professor in the Undergraduate Social Work Program at Monmouth University. I want to continue to provide training, support, and a sense of community for other therapists in the field so we can all grow towards providing inclusive 'best practice' for all communities.

I have served as a Board Member for NJAPT (New Jersey Association of Play Therapy), on the Board of MCCAC (Friends of Monmouth Child Advocacy Center), and the Play Therapy Consortium of New Jersey. I was also the President of NJCA Creativity Division 2021-22. 

My work experience also includes being contracted by DCP&P (formerly DYFS) to provide Therapeutic Visitation, a program I created based on CCPT and filial therapy principles.  I have also worked with families in the Foster Care system, Intensive in-Community Services for Mobile Response and Children’s System of Care (CMO), Family Stabilization and Support Services (FSS) for families in crisis, and a Gap Year program in Puerto Rico for 17-25 year olds who have “Failed to Launch.”

Currently, I am in private practice in Forked River and Little Silver, NJ.

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I look forward to our journey together towards wellness, balance, and mindful living. 

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