I received my Bachelor’s Degree from the State University of New York at Stonybrook where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I completed a double major with honors in Psychology and Philosophy. My Master’s Degree was earned from the New School for Social Research where I focused on Developmental Child Psychology, Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where I was awarded a full scholarship to study Psychodynamic/Object Relations Therapy (including dream interpretation), Clinical Child Psychology, and Existential Psychotherapy. I then relocated to Topeka, Kansas to complete an internship at the Menninger Foundation/Topeka State Hospital where I specialized in psychological testing and therapy with patients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). During this internship, I was on a clinical team whose purpose was to develop a more effective treatment protocol for Borderline Personality Disorder. In 2000, I was selected to participate in a one-year-long state-sponsored child sexual abuse case consultation project in Tidewater, Virginia.
One primary area in which I specialize is working with children/adolescents and their families. I have extensive training and experience in assessment and treatment of ADHD/Learning Disabilities, Childhood Depression/Anxiety/Self-Esteem issues, Behavioral Problems, Acting Out, School/Learning Difficulties and Communication Problems within the family.
I also specialize in marital/couples therapy. In marital/couples therapy the goals are to eliminate negative repetitive patterns in the marriage, improve communication and compromise, restore emotional/physical intimacy and rediscover what the couple loves about each other. Marital/couples work involves understanding the perspective of each person and enabling them to communicate that perspective in the language and style that makes sense to the other person. Compromise and empathy are used to find a solution that dissolves the roadblock that separates the couple thereby helping them to reunify and obtain a higher level of emotional, spiritual and physical intimacy.
My training in Depth Therapy, Psychodynamic/Object Relations Therapy, Dream Interpretation, and Existential Therapy are effective tools in helping both men and women achieve greater self understanding, explore and resolve negative repetitive patterns and bring to light both the conscious and unconscious forces that influence our lives. This work leads to the development of a stronger, healthier self.
I am also a fully trained in collaborative divorce work and credentialed by the I.A.C.P (International Academy of Collaborative Professionals). Within the Collaborative model of divorce, I serve as a Divorce Coach, Communications Specialist, and Child Specialist in helping to promote a peaceful, equitable and amicable divorce (without litigation) thereby minimizing trauma for both the parents and the children.
I also serve as a Co-Parenting Coach. A Co-Parenting Coach/Coordinator helps parents to craft a durable, equitable Co-Parenting Plan that takes into account the needs and wishes of the children. A successful Co-Parenting Plan allows the dysfunctional divorcing couple to transform into an effective Co-parenting Partnership that safeguards and promotes healthy development and the best interests of the children.
One enormous benefit of Co-Parenting Coordination is that any divorcing couple can utilize these services regardless of whether or not the divorcing couple have already hired attorneys and regardless of whether the attorneys are collaboratively trained.
