I am a psychotherapist and art therapist, passionate about discovering the ways to help individuals, couples and families make real and lasting change in their lives. I am committed to finding what my patients need and getting right to work. This means not only exploring personal and family history, but the influence of the external world, including culture and politics.
My formal studies as an art therapist started during my time spent abroad in West Africa. It was there that I connected with a Ghanaian art therapist who had been trained in New York. His thoughtful use of art and ritual in his work inspired my graduate study at the same program where he had received his training, the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Pratt has the oldest Master’s program for Art Therapy in the country and is a cornerstone of the field.
I have had post-graduate training in evidence-based trainings, which I find useful in my work with folks who need homework and some concrete tools. However, I find it imperative to understand the root of issues to invoke a long-lasting development in which patients feel like a true shift has taken place during treatment.
A full-time psychotherapist since 2007, I have worked in inpatient psychiatric settings, outpatient drug and mental health rehabilitation programs, and at an early intervention preschool. I have served as a clinical supervisor for creative arts therapists, social workers, and student interns and have been a speaker at the Healing Arts Initiative in NYC. I have provided training to mental health professionals in best practices and program regulations.
While my training as an art therapist is significant, what guides my work is a commitment to bringing myself and my history to the process of discovering what will help individuals and couples grow. My training in theory and diagnosis is foundational, but our relationship is significantly more important than any therapeutic model. Our relationship will dictate what our work looks like and what will be most growthful. As in any collaborative endeavor, I will bring my strengths and each individual patient will bring theirs, and we will discover together how to build with all of those offerings.
I pride myself in my ability to provide strong leadership for kids, teens, couples and families to help guide them where they need to go in order to grow. In my work with kids and teens, I have yet to meet a kid who does not look forward to our sessions. For parents, I enjoy rolling up my sleeves and digging in to help them feel support and clarity. Parents often need leadership and guidance around how to be the most effective leaders for their family.
Having joined Tribeca Therapy in 2011, I am thrilled to have been a part of its growth over the last several years. The practice has attracted innovative therapists, each of whom bring a distinct creativity and passion for continually striving to discover increasingly powerful ways of helping our patients thrive.