As a therapist, I have always considered myself to be a guide for my clients. I help them explore their lives and discover those things that need to change in order to heal their life and relationships. I am here to guide you along your own personal path to healing and happiness. The common thread in all the services I provide is an emphasis on helping people of all ages to learn how to increase and develop greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, while also learning new skills and tools for managing those thoughts and feelings and working toward greater peace in relationships and with Self. The level of awareness we cultivate can be an incredibly healing resource.

I borrow from an array of theories and strategies in helping my clients in order to meet the needs of every client and every unique situation. My approach to counseling whether it be with children or adults is based in theory that believes all people want to feel significant, connected and capable and therefore all behavior has a purpose and meaning. Patterns and themes develop in people’s lives often discouraging them, knocking them “off track.” I view counseling as a partnership. I see every individual as one who has everything they need within them simply in need of some help through partnership to get back on track what may have drifted off track. Effective counseling experiences require active commitment and participation on the part of the client. Together we will set goals and determine indicators as to how we will know when those goals have been met and will frequently revisit these goals, evaluating where we are on the process of making progress so that each client knows how we are doing as a partnership as we go.

When working with clients, I use a “prescriptive eclectic” approach to therapy for young people and their families. Symptomatology and life stressors are assessed and a unique treatment plan is created with an understanding that every child is different. My theoretical focus combines expressive therapies, particularly play therapy, with cognitive behavioral work and skills training. All counseling is undergirded by an understanding of trauma and its effects on children and families. Children diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, CD, depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and Adjustment Disorders are welcome. Families who have experienced sexual, verbal or physical abuse, domestic violence, divorce, death, chronic illness or incarceration of a parent will find a safe place at Therapeutic Associates, LLC.

Children and Adolescents
I believe children and adolescents are resilient and have the ability to cope with and overcome challenging obstacles. I believe that given the tools and opportunity to master and understand their experiences, they will thrive.

Couple Relationships
I believe in the importance of personal relationships. I believe that relationships can improve even in difficult times. Marriage and significant other relationships require nurturing and attention. Through the use of constructive communication skills, couples can increase and maintain their level of intimacy.

Families
I believe in the strength of the family system. I believe that each individual family member plays an important role in a family’s dynamics and that positive change occurs when all members participate, working together toward a common goal.

Among the more common reasons children and families come to see me are:

• Conflict in relationships (Relationship counseling)
• Children's behavior problems (play therapy for ages 3-10)
• Parenting concerns/difficulties (including coaching, support and education)
• Teen Issues (parents, friends, peer pressure, test anxiety/study skills, bullying, safe dating)
• Recovering from Trauma/Abuse/Neglect
• Grief and Loss
• Anxiety, PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive disorder
• Divorce and Blended Family Issues for Children and Parents
• Self-Esteem
• Stress (including stress management support and training) 
• Childhood abuse issues (physical, emotional, & sexual abuse)
• Depression / Bipolar (Mood Disorders)
• Relationship Problems
• Self Awareness, Personal Growth and Self Care (ex. Mindfulness)
• Family Difficulties (communication, Divorce & Step-Parents, Blended Families)
• Eating and Body Image Concerns
• Anger Management (Aggression & Hostility)
• Assertiveness Training
• Health Psychology
• Adjustment to new life situations (ex. Divorce, college, baby, burnout…)
• Communication Problems
• Emotion Management & Feeling Regulation
• ADHD (Boundaries, Limitations, Restructuring)
• Life & Social Skills Training (ex. Time-management, life-balancing, healthy relationships)
• Self-destructive behaviors (ex. Cutting/self mutilation, substance abuse, acting out)