After over a decade and half working in the mental health field, I have become what is called a “generalist” and have deep experience working with a wide range of issues. However, I also have been trained as a specialist on issues like depression, anxiety, and addictions. You can learn more below about my expertise in a number of areas of specialization as well as how I became equipped with techniques and tools that can help address a wide range of struggles.
Specializations
Anxiety and Stress
- Panic/Anxiety Attacks
- Social Anxiety
- Specific Phobias (e.g, fear of flying)
Depression
Addictions
- Drugs (including alcohol)
- Food
- Sex and Love
- Gambling/Shopping
- Internet
Struggles with Creativity (Artist's Block)
Attentional Issues (ADD/ADHD)
Anger Issues
Adjustment and transitions
Grief and Loss
Relationship Issues
Religious and Spiritual Issues
LGBTQI Issues
Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion
More About My Expertise:
I began my career working with adults and adolescents struggling with addiction issues (including addictions to food, internet, self-harm, sex, etc.). I quickly found, however, that helping someone find relief from addictions usually meant also helping them address issues like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. And these struggles in turn deeply impact all areas of our lives - from our career development to our ability to communicate with our families or connect to our creativity.
Over time, I gained training and education in a number of new areas of specialization. When I went into full time private practice, I found that people contacted me for help with a wide range of issues. Today, when I teach graduate students or supervise clinical trainees we often talk about how to hold a wide range of general expertise (how to be what is called a "generalist") while also developing deep knowledge in specific areas of specialization.
While many people seek out therapy to resolve specific struggles, my approach to counseling is just as focused on how we can flourish in our lives as it is on “problem-solving.” I have found that psychotherapy is invaluable for, among other things: understanding our relationships better; improving our communication skills; increasing access to our own creativity; and cultivating meaningful lives that are more in touch with present moment experience. However much therapy can help us overcome obstacles, it can just as powerfully enrich our lives in ways that we may never have thought possible.