Individual therapy and couples therapy is provided.
Practice includes adolescents and adults.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short term, system focused approach that focuses on thinking and behavioral patterns.
Goals are set to reduce current symptoms so clients can feel better and transform negative patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving with healthier, more adaptive choices.
Combined with an underlying psychodynamic approach, which focuses on underlying conflicts and patterns, clients work with the therapist to make progress toward their treatment goals.
Therapy is viewed as a partnership between the practitioner and the client(s).
Practitioner Training:
I graduated from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. While completing graduate training at The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, earning an MSW with a direct practice concentration, I have completed coursework in cognitive behavioral treatment, and earned a certificate in Child Welfare from the University of Pittsburgh.
My work experience has included mental health clinics, outpatient and partial hospitalization drug and alcohol treatment, hospitals (in acute care and emergency medicine/trauma), hospice/beareavement counseling, adoption, a women's clinic, as well as in the juvenile justice system. I also have conducted workplace (EAP) interventions related to death and grief crisis intervention.
In addition to my practice, I am proud to do contract work with the US military to provide support to deployed and returning troops. Since 2005, I have completed six rotations with US troops and their families deployed in stateside and overseas bases. I continue to enjoy supporting military families related to issues surrounding deployments in Iraq. I have also assisted military reserve units who returned to the US from Iraq.
Common issues in my practice include women's issues, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorders , mood disorders, relaxation and mind/body connection, rape, pregnancy loss and infertility, post abortion issues, post traumatic stress disorder and sexual identity issues. I work with couples, and both adolescents and adults individually.
Do you have questions about therapy or whether I am accepting new clients? Please contact me by using my mail hyperlinks, or using the visitor feedback form below. If your question is of an urgent nature, please call my office. All information is considered confidential within the scope of Pennsylvania laws.
Weekday and limited evening appointments available
Most major health insurance plans accepted
Most policies cover some fees for psychotherapy, but benefits and limitations vary widely.
Practitioner's service will bill insurance carrier as a courtesy, but balances for copays, unpaid sessions, or late cancellations/no shows are the financial responsibility of the client.
24 hour cancellation policy or full session fee will be charged.
Some clients prefer to self pay for services related to privacy and diagnostic issues.
Fees range from $90- $140 per session depending on services .
This practice does not discriminate based upon age, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or source of payment for services provided.
Crisis Care Network (onsite grief workplace interventions)
Many EAP plans including state of PA employees, and well as many major Pittsburgh corporations.
Please call to see if your insurance coverage will cover mental health treatment or obtain any authorizations required for treatemnt.
Certification in Rational Hypnotherapy was earned in October 2003. I believe you are the "author of your own book" and strive to help you find your voice and motivation which empowers you to move toward positive change and life balance. I currently have referral relationships with several psychiatrists when medication evaluations are indicated in conjunction with psychotherapy. I believe that my clients hold their own answers, and it is my role to investigate with them their identities and goals throughout their everchanging life cycle and circumstances. Please call my office or email me for further information.