Although many people do not have concerns that fit neatly into specific diagnostic boxes, in my practice I often see people who have symptoms related to DSM-5 diagnoses of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other Anxiety disorders (such as Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder (PD), Illness Anxiety Disorder).  Through my position at UPenn, I have had extensive experience working with medical professionals, faculty, and students with these or other concerns.

I also have specialized training in treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) including difficulties related to reproductive health such as infertility, pregnancy loss, and the transition to parenthood. As such, I have completed perinatal mental health certification (PMH-C) through Post Partum Support International.  I have worked in both outpatient and embedded clinics specifically focused on the treatment Women’s emotional and behavioral wellness.

I also work with challenges that don’t directly map onto DSM-5 diagnoses like those that relate to self-confidence, relationship concerns, life transitions, or desire to better understand oneself and reactions to life.

I have experience in and offer the following specialized, evidence-based treatments:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD

• Prolonged Exposure for the treatment of PTSD

• Panic Control Treatment for Panic Disorder

• CBTs for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia, Illness Anxiety Disorder, and Depression

• Psychodynamic approaches to treating PTSD for which there is emerging evidence and are integrated as indicated

I tend to take an integrative approach to treatment and weave in my background as a developmental psychologist as well as training in multiple psychotherapy orientations (including ACT, DBT, and humanistic orientations). In general, I take an individualized approach to treatment and work to help you understand patterns in thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to turn these insights into meaningful life change. This often means that while I use science-backed approaches, I am aware that each person’s treatment will be uniquely based on their needs, goals, and desires for therapy and life. My hope is that we develop the best treatment approach for you collaboratively as I remain open to your insights and understanding about yourself, your responses to treatment, and overall goals.

Although it can be challenging to begin therapy and discuss difficult topics, many people find it can bring relief and aid them in making desired changes in their life.

My approach is collaborative and aims to first focus on building a trusting relationship so that you feel comfortable with the process of therapy.  My orientation is rooted in my training in CBTs and humanistic orientations and I tend to take a curious approach to better understanding you and your needs. I integrate other techniques from my training to help you gain further insight into your ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving to aid in changing less helpful patterns. My hope is to help you find ways to live a fuller life in line with what is most important to you.

This may look like exploring thoughts and feelings more deeply, using exposure-based methods to approach situations typically avoided to become more comfortable with your emotional responses, exploring your desires for your life, and helping you think more flexibly about yourself, relationships, and other experiences you have had in life. You may find that over a course of treatment we may emphasize behavior at some points and at others pause to understand deeper emotional responses or underlying core themes that may drive symptoms. Mostly, I hope to work together collaboratively to help you find more freedom and flexibility to live the life you want.

Most folks experiencing anxiety, OCD, or related concerns improve significantly with a behavioral approach to treatment, as evidenced by research showing these are effective in treating a range of anxiety disorders. I generally start with this approach with folks looking to make progress in reducing symptoms and incorporate other modalities as symptoms remit. I find that some people like the opportunity for deeper exploration of thoughts and feelings, relationships, values, identity, and other enriching aspects of life following a course of behaviorally focused therapy and I enjoy working towards deeper understanding of yourself with you.