In 2017 I started my current private practice and have continued to develop and grow. I love working with individuals and their families while they navigate difficult times. We work together to identify goals, and implement new thoughts and behaviors to accomplish those goals. During the process, healing from previous traumas and attachment ruptures often occurs. I’d like to share a little about myself: I hope it helps you in making the important decision of choosing a therapist. Research shows that a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important factor when measuring successful outcomes of therapy.
I began my working career in the service industry while studying marketing at the University of Maryland. Initially I was a makeup artist but eventually moved into management for a large retail store. I loved the comradery of leading a team in accomplishing the company’s day to day goals.
In 2000, my husband and I moved to New Jersey and became involved in the foster parent program. That’s when I figured out what I wanted to be when I “grew up!” A few classes short of my marketing degree, I changed majors and started studying social work at Stockton University. It became clear that I wanted to help individuals meet their own personal goals.
In 2008, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). I began my second career at a local community mental health agency, as an intern in the crisis diversion program. I continued my education at Fordham University and obtained my master’s in social work (MSW) in 2013. From there I moved into residential treatment for clients who struggled with chronic mental illness. This is where I truly learned the importance of teamwork. Consistent with my Psychodynamic background, I developed a belief that collaboration with clients, their family members and other treatment providers, was a ticket for success. I continued with this mission while I progressed into management, but eventually left the agency to pursue hospital social work. After managing the social work department for a private hospital, I realized I missed working with individuals. I returned to the agency and started my work This work cannot be done alone; my clients and I come together as a team and tackle the issues together.
Sometimes, having loved ones involved in treatment can also improve your outcomes. If/when appropriate, I may invite you to involve loved ones so they can also grow in your process. If family work is decided to be the path you take, we can do this under one roof.
My partner Christine McGowan LPC and I share a practice named Live Well Counseling. We currently have two other clinicians who share our passion for collaborative family counseling. We’ve found great success in treating individual clients from a family systems perspective. We regularly meet to discuss individual and family goals and process the most appropriate interventions to accomplish those goals. If family sessions are deemed necessary, they are conducted as well.