I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts since 2009.  I consider it one of my greatest privileges to be let into people’s lives in order to help facilitate lasting change.  I strongly believe that people have the ability for healing and personal growth regardless of what has happened in the past.  This belief drives my practice and career.  Therapy and the therapeutic relationship can provide insight and the tools needed to recover from addictions and mental health issues, heal and build relationships or to move beyond old, limiting beliefs and behaviors to accomplish life’s goals.

I started the private practice called SHINE in 2012.  SHINE refers to acknowledging every person’s innate strengths which can be used to make lasting change and achieve personal growth.  I use the firefly as a symbol because it looks like an ordinary bug in the daytime.  It’s in the dark that it shines and you are able to see its unique and amazing nature.

My Approach to Helping Clients:

My approach is informed by the latest research in the field of psychology and my own interest and training in the mindfulness and the mind/body connection.  I use techniques that have been deemed “best practices” based on solid scientific evidence and research.  Additionally, when it’s appropriate, I often will provide treatment in collaboration with other treatment providers such as acupuncturists, nutritionists and others to provide a holistic plan for each client.  If you are interested in the details, I can tell you that I use counseling techniques informed by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy/Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, experiential and insight-oriented theories and techniques.

Every client is different (you included), and I will make a plan with you that addresses your needs and concerns.  I adapt my approach based on each client’s individual needs and life.  It is what you want to get out of therapy that will drive our direction and the techniques I use.  My plans are developed in equal partnerships with each client, highly personalized and unique.  I may have some expertise in areas about coping skills, problem solving, relationships, mental health and psychology, but you are the expert on YOU.  We actively work together as a team moving toward your goals.  You can see my clinical experience and education here and my full resume here.

I also provide clinical supervision for  other clinicians who are working on acquiring their LMHC license in Massachusetts.

Professional Associations:

• National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA)
• Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)

You can see my “Linked In” profile here.