Therapeutic Style: My therapeutic style blends person-centered and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Person-centered counseling is a collaborative non-authoritative approach that meets a person where they are with acceptance and seeks to develop a therapeutic atmosphere for growth. This occurs by offering a person respect, compassion, genuineness and non-judgement. I believe that human beings are designed to grow towards their self-actualization selves. This has the potential of occurring when the self is examined, needs are nurtured and choices are empowered to create satisfying life conditions that are in alignment with one’s life vision.
DBT is a therapy model with four main pillars: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance. The goals are to gain greater understanding of one’s own behavior, and to learn to validate oneself with greater self-compassion while at the same time building skills for desired change.
Professional Interests: My areas of professional interests include anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, trauma and substance use. I am trained in DBT and the Sound Relationship House model for relationship counseling. I enjoy working with couples who seek to strengthen connection with their partners by nurturing greater trust, commitment and understanding. Prior to coming to Syracuse University, I worked in outpatient substance use disorder counseling. Most recently, I was a supervisor at an opioid treatment program (OTP) and operated a private practice.
Educational Background: I received a bachelor’s degree in public justice and a master’s degree in mental health counseling with a certificate of advanced study in trauma from SUNY Oswego. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
Pronouns: He/Him/His