ABOUT ME
A Commitment to Helping
I have been a licensed psychologist in Maryland since 1982, providing psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults. While I tailor my approach to therapy for each individual, I generally take a cognitive - behavioral approach to treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on understanding how our thoughts affect our emotions and our responses to events in our lives. It is an active treatment that helps people make the changes they seek. It provides clients with effective tools to help them see the glass half full instead of half empty.
There is a great deal of research demonstrating that CBT can be effective in helping people with a wide range of difficulties. I work with individuals who are experiencing issues such as depression; anxiety, fears, and phobias; obsessive-compulsive disorder; grief; attention deficit disorders; relationship problems; and school or occupational difficulties.
I first became interested in psychology in college, where I conducted independent research while pursuing my studies. I soon developed a focus on clinical work and pursued my doctoral studies in that area. My doctoral dissertation focused on what was then a relatively new school of therapy - cognitive therapy. I have worked in a variety of settings, including a Veterans Administration Hospital, community mental health centers, college counseling centers, and private practices. In the past I have conducted court ordered evaluations and served as an expert witness in Montgomery and Anne Arundel Counties. I have also collaborated with agencies such as the Department of Social Services.
Currently, I work with children, adolescents and adults. I find it energizing to work with people at all stages of life. It is common for me to spend one session sitting on the floor playing with a child as we work on solving problems and the next session working just as intensely with an adult who is facing a life crisis.
Clients find me warm and engaging. Past clients have said, "LOVE this woman! She is the best, top-notch. …. Took both of my children to her for psycho-educational testing. She is phenomenal. Bubbly, energetic, caring, and knowledgeable. I just cannot say enough positive adjectives about her. She is down-to-earth and honest about dealing with ADD and learning difficulties. Very positive - it is comforting and encouraging to talk to her. My teenagers loved her as much as me and my husband did." “She is outstanding”