Qualifications

I graduated with a Master's Degree in Education in 1990 from Youngstown State University. I obtained my Counseling License in Ohio in 1993. I practiced in public agencies and group practices until I moved to Pennsylvania in 2000. I obtained my Counseling License in the State of Pennsylvania in 2003. I obtained my post graduate training at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland in 1996. I completed my 3rd year track at the Institute in Intimate Systems in 1998. I worked in hospital and partial hospital settings for children and adolescents. I have done outreach work with families. I have done trauma work through the County Abuse Response Team. I have worked in group and private practice. I have worked in partial programs for the treatment of addiction. I started my own private practice in 2015 where I am currently practicing.

Specialties & Issues

I have a specialized training in Gestalt Therapy and techniques. I have extensive experience and training in play therapy. I have a special interest in human development and object relations. I have specialized training in the treatment of trauma and body process. I have also been trained in the treatment of anxiety disorders. My training has also prepared me to work with systems such as couples and families.

Approach

My approach to counseling is based on "use of self" in session. I take a strong interest in what is going on for me in the moment with a client and enhance a sense of awareness about emerging issues and interests. I do the same in play therapy with children. I take the child's lead and speak to what becomes "figural" or most interesting to me. I like to stay in awareness and hold space for a person or a system to process through experience. I can also take a more structured approach when an emerging issue is identified.