Degrees
MSW, LCSW
My Expert Service
Many problems can be solved with the help of a trained ear. I've been a therapist for thirty years. I work with Adolescents, Individuals, Couples, and Families. I have experience with: Abuse; Addiction; Anger; Anxiety; Artist's concerns; Bipolar issues; Communication; Crisis; Death and dying; Decision making; Depression; Disabilities; Distancing oneself from others; Family concerns; Feeling dissociated or as if the present is foggy or unreal; Feelings of low self esteem or inadequacy; Gay, lesbian, bisexual concerns; Life changes; Grief; Illness; Marital concerns; Military service members' issues; Nonconformist's concerns; Personality disorders; Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Preoccupation with/reliving painful events; Reclusiveness; Sexual identity concerns; and Trauma; I also have Resources available regarding all of the above; and, if there's something I don't have or know; I can find it out!
Experience & Qualifications
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. A clinical social worker is a psychotherapist. Since there are many facets of social work, the words social worker can be confusing. What is the difference between a Clinical Social Worker, a Clinical Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist? Clinical Social Workers and Clinical Psychologists are all psychotherapists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained in working with patients with mental health problems. They have been trained to be psychotherapists as well, but many no longer do this. These days, psychiatrists tend to evaluate patients and prescribe psychiatric medications if needed.
I have a Bachelors Degree with a Major in Psychology from The University of Wisconsin -Madison and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. I have been t licensed in the state of Massachusetts and now have my licensure in Florida. I have been a therapist since 1978. I started my career in Massachusetts working as a therapist in a community mental health center working with people who were unemployed or could not afford treatment by a therapist who charged fees; then worked in a medical center with folks who were employed and having situational problems in their worklife, social, or family life; and then went into private practice back in 1990. I have worked in a hospice program; a program for women incarcerated for drug involvement; a family treatment center with children and families; an alternative high school setting for delinquent court nvolved adolescents; a residential setting for homeless alcoholic/drug addicted individuals; an outreach program for those with chronic mental illness unable to care for themselves; with couples required to attend counseling prior to being granted annulment; and for an employee assistance program contracted by The Department of Defense to assist active duty military and their families
I am a Certified Trauma Specialist, a Certified Hypnotherapist with a specialization in treatment of trauma, a Certified EMDR Practitioner (Parts I and II), and a Certified Gestalt Therapist I have had training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,. I have been trained in Brief Situational Therapy. My orientation is Humanistic.I believe strongly in the power of communication, connection and the relationship between client and therapist no matter what form of therapy is used.
These days alot of the therapy that is done is Brief Situational Goal Focused Therapy. This can be a valuable and effective form of treatment for many individuals.