“I utilize my art background in the therapeutic process when appropriate.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
I was always drawn to being a therapist. I was originally a book designer, which was engaging but I knew I'd eventually make my way to becoming a therapist. I survived a traumatic childhood and began therapy in my 20s, which was the beginning of many years of working with a therapist. This support has made a profound difference in the life choices I've made. My main focus of training has been in the areas of complex trauma in families. I utilize my art background in the therapeutic process when appropriate. I look at the whole person, their environment, their overall health, their coping mechanisms, their learned behaviors, and what has worked for them in the past. I relate to people who were or are on the fringes of society. Having grown up on the streets of New York City, I understand trauma and PTSD and how they affect the mind and body.
What should someone know about working with you?
The intake process depends on what a client wants to work on. If they are interested in working on historic trauma, I may use EMDR, which requires an in-depth intake. If they are interested in modifying a specific behavior pattern and looking for short-term therapy, the process is less rigorous. It is difficult to generalize what progress looks like as it is different for each individual. I am extremely patient and empathetic but I can also be direct when working on behavior modification. We follow an agreed upon treatment plan and I will give homework if it makes sense to do so. I have done a lot of work with young adults and with families in crisis. I am also interested in communication and learning to be assertive in interpersonal relationships. I do extensive work with alcoholics and addicts and their families. I am well-versed in 12-step programs and recovery communities. In addition, I love running art groups for children.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I am interested in running group sessions focused on partner relationships. I am also interested in continuing to build my EMDR practice; I would like to become fully certified. How do your own core values shape your approach to therapy?
I am biracial and have worked with people from different cultural backgrounds. I love being a New Yorker; the energy and multiculturalism are very important to me!
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I’m most excited about how we can make teletherapy more engaging.
“I look at the whole person, their environment, their overall health, their coping mechanisms, their learned behaviors, and what has worked for them in the past.”