About Me
I’ve always been drawn to the complexity of the human condition: considering body and mind, in relation to others and to oneself, in the present moment and in the greater scheme of life. From a young age, I loved studying the body, but it was human behavior and emotions that intrigued me more than anything. With time, I realized how intertwined they are. Through the years, I have developed a growing respect for the mind-body connection, as well as increased insight into the human tendency in this modern world, to disconnect. This recognition drove me to apply a mind-body framework to therapy, as somatic sensations and body perception play a critical role in emotional awareness and psychological health.
My Background
I received a Master of Education degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University School of Education and a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. I served as a research assistant for the Butler Hospital Body Image Program, coordinating psychiatric treatment studies of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. My clinical training was conducted at The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders and the VA Healthcare System of Boston Substance Abuse Program. I also completed the Level One training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Before I was a therapist, I gained years of experience as a personal fitness trainer and wellness coach. I have completed certifications in restorative body work, including Yoga Tune Up® Instructor Training and MELT Hand/Foot Instructor Training, which inform my understanding of the body.
“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.”
- Pema Chödrön
My Therapeutic Approach
My role as a therapist is to establish a secure, nurturing environment — one that allows for vulnerability, risk-taking, ambiguity, and discomfort, one that fuels self-exploration and promotes healing. A critical element in this is the therapeutic alliance, which I view as mutual and collaborative. I approach therapy as an empowering, dynamic process driven by the client’s therapeutic goals. The greater the collaboration between therapist and client, the more effective the process will be. I encourage clients to speak openly, even if it’s about things that feel off within a session, like if we're moving too fast, or if they need more or less structure, or if they feel their motivation to engage begin to wane. Client feedback is welcomed, valuable, and essential to the work.
My approach to therapy is both holistic and integrative, with roots in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, CBT, ACT and relational-cultural theory, all within a mind-body framework. Much of the therapeutic work I do involves mindfulness- embracing the present moment rather than escaping from it; fully embodying emotions as opposed to disconnecting from them- as this is how we come to know ourselves better, how we build tolerance for the inevitable pain that comes with life, and how we come to live more fully.
I have experience treating eating disorders and co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse. I also work with individuals facing difficult life stressors, those struggling with interpersonal relationships, and those seeking to enhance their wellbeing. Regardless of what brings someone to therapy, I seek to honor an individual's distinct needs, problems, and contexts, by remaining flexible and responsive in my approach.
Services
At the present time, I am conducting individual psychotherapy both virtually and in-person in my office in Chelsea.
Regarding insurance, I am in-network with most Optum plans, which includes United Healthcare, Oscar and Oxford. I work with clients insured by other insurance companies on an out-of-network basis. If you have this benefit, I can provide a monthly invoice that contains all the information needed to submit claims for reimbursement. Many people don’t realize this is an option, so it’s important to contact your insurance company to inquire. If you see the terms “POS”, “PPO” or “out-of network” on your insurance card, then you are likely eligible for out-of-network reimbursement. You can call your insurance company to confirm.
If you are interested in finding out more information about working with me, submit the contact form. I will get back to you to answer any questions you may have and to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.