What You Can Expect

Research indicates that the most important factor contributing to successful therapy outcome isn’t the techniques or interventions used…Instead it’s the quality of the collaborative relationship that develops between client and therapist. Toward this end, my role is not, in any way, a position of authority or superiority over you. Rather, each session is client-centered and goal-directed: You decide your own goals for what you want to achieve; you do most of the work on yourself, and I am there to guide, challenge, support and encourage you every step of the way.

One part of what I do is psychoeducation, which is to provide you with a solid knowledge base of the science behind why we humans think what we think and do what we do. Modern technology is enabling researchers to discover more about how our brains function, including how conditions such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder manifest. This knowledge promotes greater understanding of the mechanisms behind why we might feel sad or depressed. And when we better understand a problem, we’re better equipped to fix it.

What to do before your initial session

Just after we complete your phone intake and schedule your first appointment, I will send you a link to my digital Intake Packet that you can complete on a desktop, laptop or tablet. You’re required to complete and return the packet to me in advance of your first session.

You’ll also need to provide the following information for me to add to your chart:

• Names, dosages, and prescribing physician for any medications you are currently taking, and for what reason.

• Your current health insurance card.

• The name, address, and phone number of your physician or psychiatrist.

• The name, address, and phone number of at least one emergency contact.

Payments

All fees and copayments are expected at the time of service. I accept all major credit cards, debit cards, Zelle payments, cash or checks. Receipts are available upon request.

Late Cancelations and Missed Appointments

To be able to offer your appointment slot to another client who might need it, I require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice of cancelation. Less than 24 hours’ notice and missed appointments are subject to a $50 fee, which is not a penalty but rather compensates for the time I set aside for you. The amount of this fee is far less than what I would have been paid through insurance had the session taken place.

I’m also aware that sometimes unavoidable things happen last minute, and so for this reason I offer an alternative to the late fee: if you reschedule and attend the new appointment, as well as attend the following scheduled appointment, then I will waive the late fee.

Bottom line, I prefer to earn my money and not get it by default. I also want you to achieve your goals as quickly as possible, and for this to happen we should meet as regularly as possible.

Education

Masters in Community Counseling (3.9/4.0 GPA) – The College of New Jesey

Post-Graduate Credits:

                  Mental Health Counseling (12) – Monmouth University

                  Psychology (12) – Capella University

 Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – State of New Jersey (37PC00378300)

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug  Counselor (LCADC) – State of New Jersey (37LC00143900)

National Certified Counselor – National Board of Certified Counselors (213810)

Specialized Training

EMDR Certification Course (completed) – EMDR Institute

DBT Certification Course (completed 06/19/2024) – PESI

DBT Telehealth Certificate (completed 07/09/2024) – PESI

DBT for Children/Adolescents (completed 07/09/2024) – PESI

“Treating Fire Professionals: Building Cultural Competency” Certificate (10/12/2021) – IAFF Center of Excellence

“Evidence-Based Approaches to Clinical Supervision” Certificate (11/10/23) - Advanced Counselor Training

Community Service

Auxiliary Police Officer, Middletown, NJ - 2002 - 2012

Certified EMT & Member, Bergenfield (NJ) Volunteer Ambulance Corps - 1985-1988