Education/Professional Experience:
Yale University:
Trauma Debriefing Course (2003)
Boston University: M.Ed. Counseling Psychology (1986)
Internship MA Mental Health
Center/Harvard University Teaching Hospital(1985)
Skidmore College: B.A. Psychology & Elementary Education (1983)
CEU's:
various topics annually to keep LPC license current
Certified Elementary Teacher: Grades K-6 (1982-1990)
Massachusetts
Mental Health Center Neighborhood Day School Program Director, Psychotherapist, Teacher, (1985-1988)
Wheeler Clinic:
Clinician (1988-1990)
Licensed Counselor, Mentor, ROPES Adventure Instructor, (1990-1997)
Rocky Hill Youth & Family Service Bureau, Coordinator, Licensed Counselor (1997-Present) (Mandated by Connecticut General Statute section10-19m, a Youth Service Bureau (YSB) is an agency operated directly
by a municipality that is designed for planning, evaluation, coordination, and implementation of a network of resources
and opportunities for children, youth, and their families. In addition, YSBs are responsible for the provision of services
and programs for all youth to develop positively and to function as responsible members of their communities).
What is Psychotherapy?
There are many types of therapy and many theoretical approaches, but all tend to share
the following assumptions:
Therapy must be
tailored to the individual. Each person’s emotional make-up is unique, since each person has his or her personal
history, life experience, and personality style. In addition, each person has a characteristic way of tackling difficult
problems, and we all have strong points and weak points which help or hinder us in coping with emotional troubles. Therapy
works best when all these factors are taken into account. The “best” therapy for each person depends on
all these factors. Standardized approaches to treatment are rarely flexible enough to account for the uniqueness of
each individual.
Trust is essential.
Psychotherapy works best when you as the consumer trust the competence and integrity of the therapist and when there is strong
rapport. A therapist is most likely to be helpful if you are able to communicate your thoughts, feelings and concerns
clearly. If you do not feel able to be open and forthcoming, the quality of the treatment you receive may be compromised.
Everyone is at least a little nervous when they first
begin psychotherapy. A competent therapist, however, is experienced in helping you overcome these natural feelings of
discomfort, and in listening without being judgmental.
Privacy is crucial. Trust and openness develop most easily when you know that
the things you say will not leave the room. No information about therapy sessions can be released without your permission.
There are exceptions to this rule in very strictly defined cases in which a client is either a clear or present danger to
themselves or others, or when there is a reasonable suspicion that minors are being neglected or abused.
The decision to see a therapist is a very personal one, most often made at a time of great stress
or emotional pain. It is often difficult to pick up the phone and ask for help. An experienced therapist knows this
and can help put you at ease and answer your questions. Whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, s/he will listen to your
concerns and help you decide upon the most appropriate course of action.
