My professional experience in the field dates back to 1999, when I completed my MSW at Smith College. I am currently in private practice exclusively as an ontological psychotherapist and coach. I hold a Massachusetts license as an LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker).  Among other institutions and organizations, I trained at Harvard teaching hospitals: Cambridge Health Alliance and Massachusetts General Hospital. Throughout my career, I have worked at all levels of care with individuals, couples, and families suffering from major mental illness, eating disorders, and addictions in the Boston, MA region. Additionally, I am a certified psychodrama practitioner.

I did most of my training for psychodrama at the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute in New York and Omega Theater in Boston, MA. I am internal family systems (IFS) Level II trained and passionate about integrating psychodrama with IFS, both extremely powerful modalities for breakthroughs. Also, I have been trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which is extremely useful for acquiring and applying skills.  The foundation for my work is informed by polyvagal, attachment and somatic theory and practices.

Through these approaches and modalities, I assist clients in identifying patterns that undermine their success and overall well-being. The goal of our work is to achieve your desired outcomes for actualizing a fulfilling life you authentically love. Aspects of life coaching are also incorporated into my work to help my clients achieve tangible results in their everyday lives.  Since I am a certified psychodramatist, I am able to use this powerful expressive arts method, even online. This approach may be particularly helpful for clients who are struggling to reach a breakthrough with traditional talk therapy. Psychodrama brings a power to the work that can expedite breakthroughs like nothing else.Clients of all ages and walks of life come to me for services. However, I primarily work with people who are committed to their recovery journeys after trauma, disordered eating, and addiction. As someone who firmly believes that "it takes a village to recover," I am a committed collaborator.

What is psychodrama? Psychodrama is an expressive arts therapy that brings the soul into action, with psyche meaning soul and drama meaning action. It was originated by Dr. JL Moreno and further developed by his wife Zerka. Psychodrama brings to life what otherwise might remain unconscious through powerful experiential techniques.

What is IFS? Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy was pioneered by Dr. Richard Schwartz. A method of therapy that acknowledges the multiplicity of Self, including the core, essential and infinite self that exists in all of us. As humans, we all have parts that contribute to a greater whole. IFS honors this concept. Constraints and conditioning can create burdens that hinder self-leadership at times. The intent of IFS is to harmonize the system by unburdening wounded and burdened parts to allow them to heal and be free to live spontaneously and harmoniously as they are meant. IFS is an experiential and attachment-oriented method that allows for deep healing and living mindfully in the present moment.

What is a typical session like? A typical session is about 50\55 minutes. We begin by settling into the present moment often with a short moment of pausing, breathing and calling attention to what is present.  As you and your priorities guide the work, what's most important to you is the priority. The space I hold is open to whatever is needed at the time. There are times when a part needs deeper healing. Sometimes what's needed is coaching and competency building to address a difficult situation. Boundaries, self-expression, emotional processing, and communication are often needed. I also hold space for accountability from session to session for desired outcomes, goals and intentions. My style is active, warm and down to earth, while maintaining a balance between empathy and practicality. My intent is to bring awareness to honoring your deepest needs, cultivating conscious living and a lifestyle based on true nourishment for living a fulfilling life of impact.

Who are your clients? Though I work with people of all genders and all age ranges from all walks of life,  I have worked mostly with adult women, mostly as individuals, although I have extensive group, family, and couple's experience.

Where is your practice based? And, how do we meet? My practice is established at 100 Summer Street, Suite 1600, Boston, MA, 02110. My license number: #111055. Currently, all my sessions are conducted remotely using Zoom.