About my practice
Many factors influence our life struggles, leading to ineffective strategies that hinder our ability to achieve happiness and contentment. I find that relationships, life transitions, and trauma result in much of our emotional pain. My approach helps you uncover those factors, establish awareness and knowledge, which can ultimately lead to a happier, more peaceful, and contented life.
"The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives" - Esther Perel.
My approach
I am the kind of therapist who is open-minded, curious, and willing to let clients explore options, so they can find the answers they are looking for and find what works for them. I can be challenging and direct, yet approachable, and am non-judgmental. I find this approach helpful, as clients value their time and are looking for answers to their emotional pain.
Why me
I have walked in these shoes personally when a 37-year marriage came to a shocking end. I asked myself, "What is a good or healthy relationship?" Thus, the term "healthy relationships" is used throughout the website. Over the past decade, I have continued to explore and apply research on relationships, life transitions, and trauma resolution. I have used it in my personal life, in my relationships, and in the lives of my clients. My mission is to share the knowledge I have gained and to help others overcome the emotional pain that I have also personally experienced.
Therapy Orientation/ Types of Therapy
My therapy orientation is rooted in Relational Life Therapy (RLT), which focuses on improving relationships from disconnection to connection. This involves integrating trauma work and educating clients in communication and negotiation to help people build a solid connection.
In my work, I incorporate information from the following: Dr.’s John and Julie Gottman, who have over 40 years of longitudinal research on couples, which can predict the outcomes of intimate relationships, along with understanding the “bids of affection” that are key to maintaining a solid relationship.
Dr.’s Pete Pearson and Ellyn Bader have researched the developmental stages of relationships that demonstrate how relationships grow and change over time. Esther Perel’s wisdom on betrayal along with cultural and sexual knowledge of intimate relationships is fascinating and quite applicable. Also, the work of Stan Tatkin regarding neuroscience and various aspects of attachment theory identifies how we can soothe or stress ourselves and each other within relationships.
Teletherapy
Therapy sessions are conducted via Zoom. As a therapist who has used telehealth for the last four years, my clients find it saves them time and is highly effective.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Can be helpful when indicated, especially when working through a challenging situation/transition(s). This service is outsourced to different providers. I offer collaborative care with those providers when requested or as a part of a treatment plan.
tHERAPY Vs. cOACHING
Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) vs. Coaching
I am an LCSW in New York State and provide coaching in other states. Both areas are helpful when addressing the topics of relationships, life transitions and resolving trauma. At times my work will cross over and there are differences in the services.
Licensed Clinical Social Work has the training to diagnose and address trauma on a deep level if needed and refer out for medication management if indicated.
Coaching is a service I can provide across state lines and does not involve a diagnosis.
Scheduling- Payment
Scheduling a session is done personally between me and the client. I request a 24-hour cancellation notice, or the client will incur a missed session payment.
Private pay- no insurance
I am a private pay therapy practice, so fees are paid in full at the time of service. A valid credit card is required for scheduling an appointment, and clients can include a health savings account or flexible spending account. I accept payment via the credit card on file in the client's portal.
Why I do not take insurance
Insurance companies can dictate the terms of treatment, the types of therapy provided, and can compromise client privacy in various ways.
Insurance option: client's responsibility
You may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement for your therapy sessions. It will be your responsibility to check with your insurance carrier to see if you qualify, and I suggest obtaining a letter that clearly provides this information.
Ivy Pay is the site I use to take payments, which are charged directly after the session. A credit card is kept on file and may be deleted or changed at any time.
Session charges:
Regular sessions- 60 minutes $140
Initial intake- 90 minutes $170
Intensive 2-hour sessions when agreed upon by both therapist and client