I am dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. With a background in psychology and expertise in behavioral therapy, including a specialization in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive disorder), eating disorders, and anxiety-related disorders, I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities.

My approach to ERP, recognized as the gold standard for OCD treatment, goes beyond symptom reduction to enhance overall quality of life. Through supportive, structured interventions, I aim to empower clients to confront their fears and develop effective coping strategies for lasting well-being.

In my work with eating disorders, I emphasize a compassionate and holistic approach that focuses on body neutrality, flexibility, and understanding the multifaceted nature of these challenges. I believe in addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying psychological and emotional factors that contribute to disordered eating behaviors. I strive to help clients achieve sustainable improvements in their relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being.

I also integrate principles of self-compassion into my practice, helping clients cultivate a kinder and more accepting relationship with themselves. My approach is client-centered and aimed at helping individuals build agency, work through challenges, gain insight, and develop coping strategies. 

Overall, I believe in the power of human connection and am committed to building strong, client-centered, collaborative, therapeutic relationships with my clients in a supportive environment grounded in evidence-based practices. I hope to empower my clients to make positive changes in their lives and to support them on their journey toward well-being and personal growth.

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive disorder)

• Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS-in progress)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• LMSW, Columbia School of Social Work, 2023

• License: LMSW - #120836

It can be difficult to identify when or how OCD symptoms may require treatment.  This will vary from individual to individual and it is mostly determined by how much the symptoms are impacting one’s ability to live their life in an active and fulfilling way.  There are some symptoms that are tolerable and don’t cause any distress, however, it is still important to be mindful of how they have changed over time.

ERP is generally 12-15 sessions. This will be dependent on the individual.

ERP is one form of treatment for OCD.  It is considered the gold standard for treating OCD based on effectiveness and sustainability.

There are estimated to be over 200 million people world wide, who are diagnosed with OCD.  Roughly 3 million people in the united states alone.

There are many helpful interventions for anxiety, but I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy; more specifically ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy).

I treat both panic disorder and social anxiety.

Interestingly, our brains activate the same part of our brain (the amygdala), so at times, we will experience similar arousal characteristics.  The difference is how the brain interprets and prompts us to respond.  Where with anxiety our parasympathetic nervous system prompts us to respond to a threat, excitement releases chemicals in our brain (endorphins) to indicate something that is pleasurable.

Therapy as well as the support of an ED specializing dietitian is recommended to treat an eating disorder.  Depending on the type of eating disorder and/or presence of other comorbidities, other specialists may be recommended. (ex. physician, psychiatrist, gastroenterologist, occupational therapist, and others).

An eating disorder is an umbrella term for mental disorders that have the presence of maladaptive eating behaviors that impair mental and physical health.

Eating disorders are incredibly challenging and complicated.  It is completely normal to have had treatment in the past and experience a relapse.  In life, we go through many changes as people and the challenges we may have had in the past, may not be the same in the future.  Additionally, eating disorders are never necessarily “cured” after treatment.  It is something that we live with all through our lives, that have times of better maintenance than others.  With recovery, similar to remission in illnesses, we may not even think of the eating disorder anymore, but the vulnerability is still there.

Therapists that are LCSWs, LMTs, and LPCs are able to diagnose eating disorders, as well as Psychiatrists (MD or DOs), and specializing Clinical Psychologists (PhD or PsyD).

There are many modalities that treat eating disorders.  Generally, it is recommended that some form of behavioral therapy (CBT, ACT and DBT) along with psychotherapy is utilized.  Depending on the individual and comorbidities, other modalities may be utilized.

This will be dependent on the individual, the type of eating disorder, medical factors and the level of severity.  Some eating disorders require a higher level of care, where all behaviors will need to be stopped as a medical necessity.  Some eating disorders, like ARFID, have a gradual reduction in behaviors and others might be cessation of some behaviors and gradual reduction of others.  Ultimately, the decision to stop will always be up to the individual and though it may be recommended, sometimes it is not always possible.  Either way, working with a team to get support around troubleshooting the barriers is part of the process, and we can help to bring client’s to a place where their symptoms are no longer controlling their lives.

The first step is to reach out :). Finding an ED specializing therapist and dietitian to discuss what your options are and then taking it day by day from there.  Treatment is challenging and scary and it may take some time to find the right fit when looking for a clinician.  Thinking about how you like to be most supported and finding someone you feel most safe and comfortable with, will be essential.