Transforming Lives Through Expert Therapy
Types of Therapy Approaches
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
I describe it as examining thought and behavioral patterns and making modifications to those patterns to have more productive and desirable outcomes e.g. improved mood, increased self-confidence and self-esteem, positive outlook, healthy behaviors, and more.
What is Dialectal Behavior Therapy?
The focus is on building skills that help regulating emotions and improving communication skills that transcend all types of relationships e.g. family members, significant other, friends, colleagues, etc.
What is Psychodynamic Therapy?
It is important to build insight into why we do the things that we do and think the way that we do. It is important to analyze childhood and how that may be influencing our current beliefs, thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and reactions. For example, a person might have difficulty expressing their emotions because he/she grew up in a household that explicitly or implicitly discouraged talking about feelings.
What is Positive Psychology?
By studying the factors that lead people to optimize their level of success, resilience and happiness, we can create a strategy to THRIVE. There is no need to settle for “just okay”.
Services (Virtual only)
(I do not accept insurance, but I can provide documentation such as a superbill, if clients wish to submit to an insurance company for "out of network" benefit coverage)
Free Consultation
$0
We can speak over the phone or by video (Zoom, etc.) to discuss what you would like to address and if I might be able to help. In addition, this gives us a chance to see if we are a good match.
Initial Evaluation
$200 (55 minutes)
The first appointment is a thorough interview to get to know you. I will ask about upbringing, childhood, family, education, occupation, hobbies, social life, and psychiatric history. By the end of the appointment we should both be clear on the treatment goals.
Follow-up Appointment
$200 (55 minutes)
In follow-up sessions, we will develop a strategy to address your goals. The therapy approach is contingent on the goals. For example, there is a different approach to resolving relationship issues versus overcoming a phobia of driving on bridges.
About Me
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that is licensed in both the State of California and New York. I have been working in behavioral health since 2008 and specialize in depression, anxiety, sports performance, borderline personality disorder, trauma, relationship issues, work stress, grief, and difficult life transitions. We aim to get to the root cause(s), improve communication skills, adapt to situations effectively, explore coping skills, and modify behavior. My main approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Positive Psychology (the study of optimizing functionality).
Experience
I am the former Director of the Behavioral Health Department (outpatient) at Salinas Valley Health (California). I previously worked at New York Presbyterian Hospital (inpatient psychiatric unit) and Montefiore Health System (both in New York).
Education
BA in psychology from Boston College
Master of Social Work from Fordham University
Master of Business Administration from Baruch College
In my free time I enjoy running with my husky, boxing, playing golf, and going to the beach. I primarily reside in the Monterey Peninsula where there is a high need for behavioral health services.
