About Me

I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I received my undergraduate education in Psychology at Colgate University. While at Colgate I worked at the Home Base Program – an intensive outpatient clinic for Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans with PTSD. During this experience I became passionate about researching and providing clinical care for individuals exposed to traumatic events. Following graduation from Colgate, I worked at the Bronx VA Hospital where I learned further about PTSD and trauma. I am now completing my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University where I focus my research on moral injury and PTSD in first responders and civilians.

As a therapist, I have worked with a variety of populations, with a diverse range of ages, races, sexual orientations, and presenting concerns. I utilize evidence-based treatments when working with clients, such as ACT, CBT, and DBT. I aim to foster a supportive therapeutic environment where I can assist clients to pursue a meaningful, value-driven life. I believe that part of that pursuit, though, often comes from helping clients to take steps outside of their comfort zone – to approach situations and experiences that – while they may be initially nerve wracking – can improve their quality of life. I also think that, although I know about psychology, it is the client who is ultimately the expert about their experience. As such, I center my therapeutic approach on the client’s goals for positive change and explore with them how to take steps toward implementing these goals.

Areas of Specialty:

 

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when the body and brain’s “fight or flight” response to a life-threatening situation (i.e., a traumatic event) does not go away when we are no longer in the situation. We may experience anxiety when in objectively “safe” situations that are reminiscent of the event, have nightmares about the event, and avoid people, places, and situations that make us remember the event, among many other symptoms. Our internal “car alarm” has become overly sensitive. My goal in treating PTSD is to “fine tune” this car alarm by helping people to reduce the anxiety and distress caused by trauma-reminders. I am trained in several evidence-based therapies for PTSD such as CPT, PE, and WET.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) include emotional symptoms such as feeling guilty or sad, psychological symptoms such as reduced interest in previously enjoyed hobbies, and behavioral symptoms such sleeping far more than normal. I believe that it is important to explore with the client the thoughtspatterns that may be perpetuating symptoms of depression, events from their past that may have either predisposed them to or triggered depression symptoms, and behaviors that might help to break the cycle of depression and boost their mood. I typically utilize CBT or ACT, or a combination of the two depending on the client’s specific goals, symptoms, and history.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

One of the characteristic symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is regular, excessive worrying. This worrying is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension and difficulty sleeping, psychological symptoms such as feeling irritable, and behavioral symptoms such as regular reassurance seeking. When treating GAD, I typically utilize CBT, ACT, DBT, or a combination of these approaches depending on client preference and goals.

Other Areas of Focus:

  • Anger management
  • Coping with life stressors
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Moral Injury
  • OCD
  • Relational difficulties
  • Stress

Certifications and training

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Written Exposure Therapy