I have worked as a solo practitioner in private practice for over twenty years, specializing in the outpatient treatment of adolescents and adults. Areas of interest include the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress management, eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexuality and relationship issues. I practice client-centered therapy based on individual needs and preferences. My practice differs from a traditional clinical setting in that I am the only service provider. Calls are answered and/or returned personally, and all appointments are made directly through me. I provide services for most major healthcare plans and can discuss your coverage with you prior to your first appointment. With your consent, I will bill your insurance company for you. If a copayment is required, it will be collected at the time of service. Payment for services can be made via cash, check, Venmo or Paypal. Communication preferences, such as text messages, voicemails, and emails, will be discussed during the first appointment. I am currently accepting new clients with certain Blue Cross/Blue Shield health care plans. Please inquire.
About my clients:
I offer a variety of therapeutic interventions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual client. For example, clients who are experiencing a crisis situation may need to be seen more intensively at the outset of therapy in order to stabilize their circumstances. Others prefer a solution based, short-term approach to therapy which tends to focus on a specific issue and involves outside “homework” assignments and check-ins to encourage accountability. Other clients may opt for a more open ended, insight-oriented type of therapy that lends itself to exploring deeper personal issues and identifying long standing patterns of behavior. Some clients prefer more of a mentor/coach approach to therapy that focuses on identifying life goals, overcoming potential obstacles, and mobilizing available resources. There is also a growing trend among clients toward an ongoing maintenance type of therapy that involves less frequent visits over an extended period of time to preserve and, if necessary, reset the progress that they have made. Finally, it might be appropriate for some clients to have medication augment their therapy. In this case, I will make a referral to a psychiatrist or work with an existing provider to establish the most effective medical interventions.
About my office:
My office provides a clean, quiet setting in which to relax and feel comfortable while discussing the challenges and issues that brought you into therapy. It is located in a separate section of my home that is designated specifically as a clinical office. A private bathroom, a cozy fireplace and beverages are provided. Parking is conveniently located just steps away from the front door of the office. Appointments are scheduled at least 15 minutes apart to allow time for cleaning. This staggered appointment schedule also ensures the anonymity of individual clients as they enter and leave the office.
About me: I was born and raised in central Pennsylvania. I received a Bachelors degree in Art Therapy and a Masters degree in Counseling from Penn State University. I worked in Student Life at Penn State for several years before starting a Ph.D. program in Psychology at Indiana State University. Following a year-long internship at Duke University, I put roots down in Chapel Hill. I am fully licensed and insured to practice Psychology in North Carolina.
I am married and have two adult sons. My favorite way to spend time is at home - entertaining family and friends. I am an avid swimmer (and Michael Phelps fan), who enjoys art projects, cooking, indoor gardening, cats, Saturday Night Live, and red wine. Creativity and humor are fundamental to my personal well-being.
As a therapist, I am open minded and non-judgemental. My primary concern is always with my client’s welfare and believe that trust and confidentiality are essential components to a healthy therapeutic relationship. Clients can be assured that they will receive my full attention, and will be treated with respect and compassion, and that every effort will be made to deliver professional psychological services that affect positive change and improve mental health.