Education, Experience, Successful Practice

I became a licensed clinical social worker in 1991, but the inspiration for entering that field started years before. Prior to becoming a social worker, I worked as a grade-school teacher, director of admissions of a private school, and an office manager for a doctor’s practice.

In my position as an office manager, I not only managed the office, but it also seemed that I was the person that my co-workers turned to with their personal problems. I was able to see that people’s personal problems interfered with their ability to achieve goals, succeed at work, and enjoy good health.

As a result of this, I quickly became interested in helping people understand the problems that stood between them and their goals and finding new ways to overcome these challenges.

That lead me to social work school and a practice of helping people ever since.

My Approach to Therapy
I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and work from a holistic, solution-focused perspective helping individuals, couples, and groups deal with stress and make lifestyle changes that support bio-psycho-social health.

I begin with a comprehensive assessment that includes gathering information on immediate concerns, medical problems, nutrition, stress management, relationships, substance abuse, mood problems, family background, trauma history, work and religious/spirutal beliefs. Based on this information, the client and I develop a plan for change.

The active counseling is goal-focused, while remaining sensitive and caring. I provide empathic listening, feedback, specialized techniques, and support needed to follow through to achieve identified goals. When necessary, this may include referral for medical care, psychological testing, or support groups.

My Specialties
I have a special interest in treating

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Women's issues
• Adult children of alcoholics/codependency
• Chronic illness especially Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue

Experience
EAP Consultant, DuPont, Wilmington, DE
Private Practice, Philadelphia, PA
Military Family Life Consultant, Dept. of Defense/MHN
Account Manager for FirstCall EAP at Main Line Health/Jefferson Health System, Bryn Mawr, PA
Staff Therapist, Benedetto and Associates, Cleveland, OH
Staff Therapist, Behavioral Health Associates, Beechwood, OH
Intake Coordinator, Marymount Hospital Mental Health Center
Psychotherapist and EAP Professional, Berkshire HealthWorks
Crisis Counselor, Berkshire Mental Health

Education
Masters in Social Work. Smith College School for Social Work. 1991
Masters of Education. Boston University. 1982

Certifications
Certicate in Systemic Family Therapy. Family Center of the Berkshires. 1993
Certicate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cleveland Center for Cognitive Therapy. 1999
Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
Massachusetts: Licensed Independent Clincial Social Worker
Red Cross Disaster Training

Professional Memberships
National Association of Social Workers
Clinicians' Network, Bend, OR
Employee Assistance Professional Association