I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides counseling to a variety of populations in the following areas:

Individual counseling. There are lots of reasons to seek individual counseling from self improvement and growth to grappling with a loss or trauma. My primary concerns in individual counseling are to help you develop greater resiliency and better coping strategies, reduce stress, and, finally, form a better relationship with yourself. Among the many types of issues I deal with are:

• Symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Interpersonal difficulties, including feelings of isolation, difficulties forming or maintaining a relationship;
• Bereavement and grief related to the loss of a loved one;
• Experience with sexual assault, relationship violence, and victimization;
• Addiction issues including drug or alcohol abuse

Child and adolescent counseling.  Children and teens are having to deal at earlier ages with a wide-range of issues such as drugs and alcohol abuse, sexuality, violence, peer group pressures, social media and shifting family values. I work with children of all ages with a variety of mental health and behavioral issues. My goal is to help parents find  solutions to the real-world problems facing their child right now, while also helping their child to develop the resiliency he or she needs in an increasingly complex world. I also aid parents in developing positive parenting skills that can make their parenting years more effective and less stressful.

I have a strong understanding of children\’s physical, mental, and behavioral development from infancy through adolescence. I draw on over twenty years experience working with children, as well as the latest research in the fields of child and adolescent psychology. I specialize in the following areas of child therapy: autism, anxiety, hyperactivity…

Couples counseling. Couples counseling can help improve communication skills and assist couples in deepening bonds of love and kindness as they work together through the many common difficulties they might face. In twenty years of counseling couples, I find that honest communications, and a willingness to look at one\’s own role in any couple\’s issue are keys to improving a relationship. In addition to my experience with couples, I brings additional insights into how issues related to children, or blended families, or issues related to anxiety, depression, addictions, abuse and domestic violence can affect the health of a relationship.

Relocation Therapy. The average American moves an estimated 14 times during his or her lifetime. People move for a variety of reasons such as job transfers or job loss, better school districts, or a major life trauma such as a divorce or the death of a spouse.

In either happy or difficult circumstances relocation can be stressful for a family. Each stage of relocation brings potential physical, and emotional stresses that the family needs to address. Feelings of anxiety, loneliness and a sense of loss and uncertainty are common. Children are particularly vulnerable to changes in their environment and may need help adjusting. I can aid parents and families when dealing with the emotional issues that often accompany relocation, either before or after a move by providing support and helping families become aware of the many issues associated with moving.

Reintegration Therapy. I am often asked by the court to help improve or foster a better relationship between a child and a parent from whom the child has been separated for a significant period of time. I have ten years experience in understanding the psychological, social and legal aspects of this process. Before starting the reintegration process, I meet with or talk by phone with all parties involved.

I provide regular reports to each party and to the court as necessary. I will also coordinate communication with other therapists or professionals involved with the case. If individual counseling or other services are necessary I will make appropriate referrals.

Trust takes time to rebuilt so patience is an essential element of the reintegration process; it can help families develop healthier long-term relationships and deepen the bonds within a family. I strive to foster cooperation between all parties while keeping foremost the interests of the children.