The vast majority of universities and schools training psychotherapists don't provide the essential skill-sets and tools because their models of change and healing are often limited and antiquated. These are vestiges of an old psychoanalytic paradigm that is slowly being replaced with pragmatic, solution-focused approaches, most notably those incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral techniques (CBT) and Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT).  My approach borrows from and integrates CBT, DBT, and other solution-driven approaches.  It blends therapy and coaching and is designed to create results.

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I have almost 30 years of experience providing psychotherapy to those suffering with depression, anxiety, PTSD, behavioral addictions including sexual and pornography challenges, and other issues.  I work extensively with marital, family, and teen issues, including parenting, blended families, anger management, and ADHD concerns. I've done talks, presented in various venues, and authored a magazine column on relationships and spirituality.  I am a retired NY attorney.

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I’ve been a guest on numerous radio shows and on Lifetime Television’s morning Show, The Balancing Act.  My articles, which can be viewed under the Articles tab in this site, cover relationship challenges including marriage, family, parenting, dating, sexuality, and addictions, as well as topics related to spirituality and metaphysical approaches to change.

 

History

 

Practicing law as a New York trial lawyer and litigator for ten years in New York was a spiritual springboard for me from an ego-based paradigm of verbal combat to an orientation based on communication, compassion and forgiveness as the road to peace and happiness. I have had excellent results in my work as is evidenced by my testimonials, some of which can be viewed under the link with that name, and by scores of satisfied patients and clients.

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I left my career as a New York trial lawyer and did a 360; I returned to my roots in psychology and personal growth as a therapist and life coach because I found that my integrity was often challenged in an area of law that proved to be quite unscrupulous. I wanted to help people with real life problems interpersonal and emotional challenges in a practical way and I had found an effective way to do so. My skill and approach are also very much the product of my life experience.

 

Following college, I was a milieu therapist on an acute-care inpatient psychiatric unit at Framingham Union Hospital where I worked as part of an interdisciplinary team including psychiatrists and psychologists.  I later interned as a therapist in the Hunter College Employee Assistance Program for university faculty and staff.  During college, I was a crisis counselor at the Worcester Crisis Center.

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I hold an MSW from Hunter College, a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a BA cum laude in Psychology from Clark University. I am an LCSW in New York State and hold a Level II certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), often referred to as the state-of-the-art treatment for trauma and PTSD.  I am Level II certified in Essential Skills in Energy Psychology by The Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) and am certified Level I in both Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) and in Reiki.

 

 

Alternative Approaches to Healing and Change

 

I have a proactive, “outside the box” approach to helping people.  It is largely non-traditional, solution-focused, and combines alternative and holistic techniques for creating meaningful change and lasting results.

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I guide, share, teach, and facilitate change and healing utilizing your own strengths and based upon both Western and Eastern schools of thought.  My writings, public speaking, and practice are informed by the principles of A Course In Miracles, The “Secret” Law of Attraction and other eastern teachings including the work of Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Marianne Williamson. I also incorporate modalities of the "Inner Child" work of John Bradshaw and principles of Dr. Scott M. Peck.

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My marriage counseling and relationship coaching work is informed by Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy, Imago Therapy and other principles.  I teach communication skills using “active listening” as derived from Imago Therapy, and lead meditation and guided imagery sessions.  Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a form of energy psychology, often referred to as "tapping", has proved to be an invaluable self-soothing and adaptive technique.  I have also had tremendous results employing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with patients suffering from PTSD, trauma and other neurological blocks.

  

I completed an externship in “Emotionally Focused Therapy” developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, which is considered by many to be the most successful approach to couples counseling in the world today. EFT is one of the best documented, most substantive, and well-researched approaches to couples therapy; it stands as one of the best validated couples interventions in North America, having achieved an astounding 75 percent success rate, with 86 percent of couples reporting feeling happier in their relationships. This is in stark comparison to other forms of couples therapy which have been shown in studies to be only about 35 percent effective in healing relationships.

 

 

Working Together…

 

My approach is "hands-on", compassionate, and direct.  I’m there to hold my clients accountable for their work, to monitor their progress and to help them work through challenges as they arise.  I see myself as holding the torch, lighting the way for your growth, the attainment of your relationship and life goals, and the healing of your emotional and mental health and challenges. 

​I often assign “homework” so that you’re actively working between your sessions, and gently hold you accountable in the next session, so that you’re moving forward towards attaining your goals.

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I’ve led A Course in Miracles study groups and given lectures and workshops on principles of abundance and personal growth.  I led a separation and divorce support group called "Flying Solo" in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and have given talks on topics including psychology, spirituality, improving couples and family relationships, and on methods of stress reduction.

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I have offices in New City, NY in Rockland County, and in Warwick, NY in Orange County.  I also work remotely through my HIPAA-compliant video portal.