Areas of Specialty

Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disoder (OCD)

Anxiety has become an unwanted visitor to many, making anxiety the most prevalent mental health issue in the United States. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which are effective treatments for anxiety based on scientific studies. I also have specialized training in diagnosing and treating OCD using a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which has strong evidence in clinical studies for its use in treating OCD. I often find it helpful to integrate the use of ERP and ACT, which has also been found effective in the treatment of OCD. Trained in providing trauma-informed treatment, I specialize in providing treatment of anxiety and OCD to those who have a history of trauma. Anxiety can manifest in numerous forms including: 

  • Frequent Worry

  • Panic 

  • Intrusive or unwanted thoughts

  • Fear or anxiety related to social situations

  • Persistent fear of illness 

  • Phobias

  • Uncomfortable bodily sensations such as rapid heart rate and shortness of breath

  • Desire to avoid certain situations

Cross-Cultural Issues

I have considerable training in multicultural psychology and in working with diverse clients. In addition, I bring to my work the experience of having grown up in four different countries, including the United States. I have worked extensively with individuals from diverse backgrounds including:

  • Immigrants

  • Members of minority groups

  • Those raised in cultures different from that of their parents and/or birth country

  • Those who have lived/worked abroad as part of their adult life

  • Those serving or having served in the military and family members of those in the military

  • Native Spanish and Portuguese speakers seeking therapy in these languages

Depression

Depression is a close cousin to anxiety, as many people who experience one will also experience the other. Much like anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are effective treatments for depression. With these as a guide and with particular attention to each person’s history, I help clients reduce symptoms of depression, which can include: 

  • Low or irritable mood

  • Lack of pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities

  • Changes in sleep and appetite

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Frequent crying

  • Feelings of guilt and / or worthlessness

  • Thoughts about wanting to die or hurt oneself

Grief and Loss

While a natural response to loss, ranging from loss of a loved one to loss of our vision for how life would unfold, grief can evoke a wide array of emotions and come in waves that can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. I am skilled at helping clients navigate through their grief and through factors that often complicate grief, such as:

  • Depression and/or anxiety

  • Guilt or regret

  • Intrusive thoughts about the loss

  • Inability to focus on little else other than the loss

  • History of trauma

Life Transition

Times of change and transitions can bring up a wide array of emotions, memories, and difficulties, including a sense of feeling unequipped or vulnerable. They can also require us to develop new skills to adapt. One of my areas of speciality is helping clients mindfully navigate the many transitions life can bring, including:

  • Entering college or the workforce

  • Entering a committed relationship, engagement, or marriage

  • Difficulty conceiving or infertility

  • Becoming a parent and / or balancing parenting and a career

  • Parenting children with special needs

  • Having children leave home (empty nest)

  • Separation or divorce

  • Aging

  • Illness and / or changes in functioning in yourself or loved one

  • Losing a loved one

Relationships

Psychological research shows that supportive, meaningful relationships are a cornerstone of emotional well-being. But relationships, whether with partners, family, friends, or even ourselves, can also be complex, painful, and at times deeply challenging. Grounded in attachment science, I work with clients to gently explore the patterns that may be causing disconnection or distress. My training in both adult and child psychology and my experience working with families also inform my understanding of how early relationships shape us and how we relate to others and to ourselves. I can offer help with relationships with:

  • Partners and Spouses

  • Extended family and/or in-laws

  • Siblings

  • Children (including step-children, adopted children, and grown children)

  • Friends

  • Colleagues and/or Supervisors

  • Yourself — your inner critic, self-worth, and identity

Trauma

Trauma can leave deep marks on the body, the mind, and the way we relate to ourselves and others. When we experience something overwhelming or threatening, our nervous system can get stuck in survival mode, on high alert, shut down, or swinging between the two. Whether the trauma stems from a single event or years of painful experiences, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. I have extensive training and experience in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD. I use an integrative, mind-body approach to trauma treatment that emphasizes the importance of addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of trauma. Trauma can lead to the following symptoms, among others:

  • Emotional overwhelm – Feeling anxious, depressed, numb, or emotionally flooded

  • Hypervigilance – Always on edge, easily startled, or constantly scanning for danger

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories – Reliving the event mentally or emotionally

  • Avoidance – Steering clear of places, people, or situations that bring up distressing memories

  • Negative self-beliefs – Feelings of shame, guilt, or the belief that the world isn’t safe or that they’re “broken”

  • Disconnection – Feeling detached from oneself, others, or the present moment (dissociation)

  • Sleep difficulties – Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares

  • Difficulty trusting others – Struggling with intimacy, vulnerability, or feeling safe in relationships

  • Emotional numbing – Difficulty accessing or expressing emotions, both painful and positive

I’m interested, but have some questions.