My life’s passion is the work that I’ve done with children, teens and their families for over 25 years.  As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (license #32359), I have worked in private practice, Family Service Agencies, schools, Residential Treatment Centers and Day Treatment Programs.   And as a parent, I’ve watched my own child experience the trials and tribulations – and the successes! – of negotiating life’s developmental stages.  I am also a Certified Trainer with the Center for Teacher Effectiveness, facilitating workshops for teachers that help children and teens succeed in school.

My style is warm and accepting, interactive and experiential - laced with a dose of humor.  Depending on the issues, I might see a child or adolescent in individual therapy - meeting with the parents or caregivers every 4-6 weeks; or I might work with the whole family, sometimes even bringing in grandparents or friends.  When it would be helpful, I'll coordinate my efforts with teachers and other mental health professionals. 

In play therapy, children learn self-awareness, appropriate ways of expressing themselves and self-control - all of which help them in their relationships in school, at home and with friends.  Teens find a place to talk about finding their way in the world, often using art, sandtray, poetry, music and other media to express themselves.  Parents and caregivers feel understood and empowered, and learn new ways to help their children and teens.

We'll usually have 4 sessions, after which we'll write a treatment plan together.  This is also the time to assess if we're a good fit:  because so much of therapy is about relationship, it's important that we all feel that we can work (and play!) together.