Who I am
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Snyder, NY. I offer individual and couples therapy for adults, as well as individual counseling for adolescents and children ages 10 and up.
Adults 18-65
In my work with adults, I incorporate a variety of techniques and orientations to best meet the needs of my client. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and open dialogue. Because I have found that issues in relationships are often linked to distress, I often focus on the ways that clients choose to engage in and retreat from intimate interpersonal relationships. I believe in offering empathic and honest feedback so that my clients feel understood as well as challenged. I work with the full range of adult concerns, including:
Adjustment Disorders
Anxiety (Panic, OCD, PTSD/Trauma, Phobias)
Depression/Affective Disorders
Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating)
Family of Origin Issues
Personality Disorders
Relationship Concerns
Self-Injury
Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Adolescents 13-18
Adolescents have unique needs and their lives are filled with both exciting and stressful challenges. While a certain amount of emotional distress in adolescence is normal, parents should consider counseling if that distress seems to interfere with daily functioning for an extended period of time. Adolescence doesn't have to be traumatic! In my work with adolescents, I try to balance the adolescent's need for increasing independence with the importance of involving family in his/her care. I offer adolescents as much confidentiality as possible -- knowing that thoughts and feelings will be kept private is often paramount in forming a collaborative working relationship in therapy. When the adolescent feels comfortable with it, I invite parents and other family members to participate in his/her treatment. Parents are always informed if their adolescent has suicidal thoughts or is engaging in any risky/dangerous behavior. I work with the full range of adolescent concerns, including those listed in the adult section above.
Children ages 10-12
I understand that your child in surrounded by a network of people invested in helping him/her grow. I consider these networks valuable partners in your child's treatment. When working with children, I always work closely with parents and other family members to provide the best possible care. It is my philosophy that parents should be empowered to act as their child's therapist. Since parents spend more time with their children than any other adult (including therapists!), it is important that they feel confident in their ability to respond effectively to emotional and behavioral concerns in the home. I also work in collaboration with teachers and schools to help them develop effective plans for reducing the child's symptoms and ultimately increasing success in the school setting. I provide services for the following:
Adjustment Disorders
Anxiety (Fears, Phobias)
Depression
Parenting concerns/Family issues
ADHD - brief parenting consultation
