EDUCATION & TRAINING

I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from the University of Rochester, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Columbia University, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University.

During my doctoral training, I worked in multiple clinics and hospitals throughout New York City and the tri-state area, offering me the opportunity to treat a wide range of patient populations and mental health concerns. I completed my internship at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center, where I received training in the treatment of trauma and substance use/addiction, and worked with individuals struggling with various mental and physical health conditions.

My postdoctoral training was at the Families and Individuals in Recovery (FAIR) Program at Metropolitan Center for Mental Health, a dual-diagnosis outpatient program. There, I received extensive training in evidence-based treatments for addiction and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. I stayed on at Metropolitan Center for 8 years as a staff psychologist and administrator, providing therapy, supervision, staff training, and serving as interim clinical director.

I have been in private practice since 2014 and continue to work with a diverse set of clients from New York City and the greater New York area. I am professionally affiliated with the American Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and regularly attend training workshops and seminars to keep up with new psychological learnings and practices.

I view it as an honor and a privilege to be allowed into the private lives of my clients, and to witness and guide them as they come to understand themselves better, tap into their strengths and individuality, heal, and grow. This is truly my professional calling, the way in which I believe I can contribute most usefully to the world.

MY APPROACH TO THERAPY

My approach to therapy is integrative, meaning that I use techniques from a variety of orientations and treatment approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based interventions. I place an emphasis on treating the “whole person,” not just a diagnosis, and interventions may focus on enhancing both mental and physical health. Techniques are chosen based on clients needs, preferences, and goals. In this way, therapy is truly a collaborative process.

I believe that respect and trust are the foundations of every relationship and the therapy relationship is no different. Although I may challenge you, and therapy may at times be uncomfortable, I will always interact with you in a compassionate and respectful manner. I consider myself an attentive listener who provides a calm and supportive space to be heard. At the same time, I believe that therapy should be practical and applicable to everyday life. For this reason, I am actively engaged in sessions, prepared when appropriate to offer concrete tools for modifying thinking and behavior and for improving mood.