“My practice is focused on the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders by addressing behavioral, psychological, and/or physiological factors that may interfere with sleep.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
I have always been fascinated by human behavior! Working in various medical settings, I noticed a common theme among many of my clients: They were having trouble sleeping. I quickly became very passionate about the small yet emerging field of sleep psychology, and I decided to pursue the specialty of behavioral sleep medicine (BSM). My practice is focused on the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders by addressing behavioral, psychological, and/or physiological factors that may interfere with sleep. I offer a fresh perspective on evidence-based treatments for sleep and circadian health.
What should someone know about working with you?
In addition to insomnia (difficulty falling and/or staying asleep), I see and treat a wide variety of sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, idiopathic hypersomnia, narcolepsy, shift work, and delayed sleep phase syndrome) and work collaboratively with individuals to optimize sleep from a non-medication and behavioral perspective. CBTi is an effective way to improve sleep naturally without medication. I use a personalized, mindfulness-based, and holistic treatment approach.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I am most excited about online therapy. Being able to provide sleep therapy via telehealth has allowed me to reach folks in big cities and rural areas, far expanding the availability of specialized sleep treatment. My goal is to provide high-quality, personalized sleep therapy in the comfort of your own home or office. Research shows that CBTi delivered via telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy!
How is sleep therapy different from traditional talk therapy?
Sleep therapy involves changing negative thoughts and/or behaviors around sleep over the course of 4-6 visits (about 3-6 months). Traditional therapy is often open-ended while sleep therapy is generally short-term (with long-lasting benefits!). Think of CBTi as more of a brief, skills-based workshop or class. Each session involves sleep education in addition to learning specific techniques to implement in between visits. Online sleep therapy is currently available to Florida and New York residents.
“I offer a fresh perspective on evidence-based treatments for sleep and circadian health.”