Philosophy
I take an active and collaborative approach to my work with clients, drawing attention to the complex range of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that may be impeding a greater sense of well-being. Therapy works best when an individual feels safe and supported, while also being challenged to do the valuable work of self-exploration. To that end, I bring enthusiasm and warmth to my clinical work, and encourage mutual curiosity and openness as we explore areas for growth and goals for change.
As a psychodynamically trained psychotherapist, I believe that our early life experiences impact our current understanding and expectations of ourselves and others. By gaining insight into these connections, we can make more well-informed choices to improve our lives. While increased awareness is often helpful, I find it important to also assist my clients in developing active coping skills, maximizing their strengths, and establishing new behaviors that may enhance satisfaction. I believe these proactive steps, along with deeper insight and a strong working relationship, creates the most effective therapeutic experience.
BACKGROUND
I have been in private practice in Washington, DC since 2004. I am also the co-founder and co-director of Prentice, a private practice training program. Additionally, I run new mother support groups for Parent and Community Education (PACE) throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Since 2009, I have served as an Adjunct Faculty member for the Georgetown University Clinical Psychology Advanced Training Program.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgetown University and my MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Catholic University. As part of my doctoral training, I completed a predoctoral internship at the George Washington University Counseling Center as well as several externships at a variety of clinical settings in the DMV. I held a postdoctoral fellowship at Georgetown University Counseling and Psychiatric Services and then continued working as a Staff Psychologist and Coordinator of Group Therapy at the Georgetown Main and Law Center campuses. Additionally, I have received advanced training in the assessment and treatment of postpartum mood/anxiety disorders through the Postpartum Stress Center, completed a year long infertility counseling course through Covington and Hafkin, and have received advanced group psychotherapy training through the Washington School of Psychiatry.