Specialties

  • Substance abuse: Substance abuse, or addiction, to alcohol and/or drugs are can touch anyone’s life, from homeless persons to those who are financially secure. It affects family, relationships, jobs — virtually any area of life, and especially one’s self.  My belief is that each person has their own path to recovery; some need to minimize use (harm reduction) and some to stay completely abstinent. The common denominator is that most people need to know they are not alone in their struggles.
  • Depression/Anxiety: Depression and anxiety do not always occur together, though they often do.  Underlying these conditions (called mood disorders) can be external circumstances, but sometimes everything can seem fine on the outside, but a person feels ‘off’ in some way on the inside. I become a partner in your journey to find understanding and develop coping skills.  
  • Youth & Adolescents:  Adolescents, as well as young people in their 20’s, do not yet have fully developed brains. Their thoughts and reactions are different – often more extreme – than mature adults. However, they need to be treated with respect, understanding, and patience. Often having someone to listen without judgement can make all the difference. Other times, more intervention is needed.
  • Women’s Issues:  Women of all ages know that we face unique challenges in life, both by virtue of biology and by culture.  I can offer a safe space to explore these issues.
  • Grief and loss:  Loss takes many forms. It is common, and human, to experience grief after the loss of a marriage, a job, or any number of circumstances. Illness or death of a loved one can impact a person in many complex ways, as well as seemingly ‘minor’ losses.
  • Family dynamics: Where we come from shapes our lives and personality. Family issues are often complex, and each member has a right to be listened to and understood.  I believe that families come in many forms, all of which deserve to be honored.
  • Relationships: People tend to repeat patterns in relationships. It can be helpful to uncover the root of these issues, or focus on current behaviors and feelings. Either way the key to change often lies in our reactions to the other.
  • Coping with chronic illness: There is no doubt that physical and mental health go hand in hand. Persons coping with chronic illness often face depression and feelings of loss.
  • Life changes:  Life throws unexpected situations our way. Even good changes, planned and hoped for, can be stressful. Sometimes a little support can go a long way.
  • Other mood and personality disorders: My bottom line: people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, etc., are people first, and will be treated as such.