My Approach to Helping
Is your life controlled by fear, doubt, or worry? If you’re living with Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, or Trauma, each day can be a painful struggle. As a licensed Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with 25+ years of experience, I believe counseling should provide you with the skills & strategies you need, tools that are easy to understand & apply, both in session & on your own, that challenge the negative, unhealthy thoughts & behaviors that are at the root of your emotional distress. My goal is that you leave each session feeling more confident in yourself & in your ability to live your best life Fearlessly!
For over two decades, I have specialized in the use of CBT & Exposure Therapy, in office, online & in vivo- (outside of the office setting for specific issues that require this specialized form of treatment), what is deemed The Evidence-Based, Gold Standard of treatment for the issues that I treat. While Anxiety Disorders & OCD are not "curable", my method of therapy focuses on how to more effectively overcome your current challenges & gain proactive tools to more successfully manage, minimize & even prevent, future recurrences. I recognize that seeking counseling takes courage, which is why I want sessions to be a safe haven that provides a supportive & judgement-free environment; we only proceed at your pace. To ensure we are the right fit, I provide a free 15 minute telephone consultation to all potential clients before their initial session. Through the use of my secure online teletherapy services, I can work with clients living anywhere within the State of Florida. Please visit my website to learn more about my practice
More Info About My Practice
I have found that people typically struggle with the decision to begin counseling. Providing a safe and supportive environment, while also emphasizing that counseling should be “active and hands-on”, I believe that my ideal client is ready to do the work that he or she needs to do in order to reach their goals. However, I also recognize that being “solution-focused” and aiming to accomplish small goals along the way is motivating and builds momentum to continue therapy. We all want to know that the hard work and effort we put forth is paying off and need encouragement that there is a “light at the end of the tunnel”!
I describe my practice approach as “empirically based”, which simply means that treatment is guided by the research and evidence of “what works”. The expression that “action brings change” is my motto. CBT therapy is about empowering individuals to help them identify and change their negative thinking and unhealthy behaviors, using challenging exercises both in and outside of session. As an expert in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders (such as Social or Generalized Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Panic Attacks), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OC Spectrum Disorders, (Skin Picking, Hair Pulling, Body Dysmorphia), and Unresolved Trauma, I utilize elements of various models of CBT, along with Exposure Based Therapy methods, what is deemed the Gold Standard in treating these issues. I am one of the few clinicians within the area that also uses Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy in office and online via my HIPAA compliant portal . When necessary, I also incorporate “in vivo” methods, treatment that occurs outside of the office setting, directly within the environment in which problem occurs, such as with individuals who struggle with specific issues like OCD, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety and Panic.
I am proud to have been chosen as a treating therapist on Season Two of the groundbreaking documentary, “Obsessed”, which aired in June 2010 on A&E Television Network. I was also interviewed by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America for my expertise as a CBT therapist treating Anxiety Disorders, and have appeared on Orlando’s Fox 35 News several times. I encourage you to visit my website for more details on my practice or contact me directly to discuss how treatment can improve your life.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Issues I commonly treat:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety
Specific Phobias- Agoraphobia
Panic Attacks
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, including complex presentations
Impulse Control Disorders - DermaTrichotillomania (skin picking, hair pulling)
Trauma Survivors, PTSD
Victims of Physical, Sexual, Emotional Abuse
Depression & Mood Disorders
Womens Issues-Adjusting to Motherhood, Balancing Family & Career, Post-Partum Struggles, Menopause Related Issues
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.
