Prolonged Exposure Therapy in South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

I am adept at supporting clients with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms, seeking greater self-awareness, clarity, and insight about their current struggles and how to shift them. My ideal client is motivated to change and is interested in co-creating the goals to work towards that change, with the ultimate aim being to reduce distress and build/nurture a rich and meaningful life. I often suggest homework to help practice the skills we are learning together in session. I integrate extensive clinical experience, specialized training, & my unique personality (including a healthy dose of confidence, humility, and humor).

Looking to make meaningful changes in your life or make sense of difficult past experiences? In my practice, I work to help my clients acquire the tools needed to realize their personal potential and live more satisfying lives. My areas of expertise include anxiety, trauma, and OCD. I primarily use cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to therapy but draw from a range of techniques to meet the needs and strengths of each client. Sessions typically involve helping clients to gain insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, explore alternative ways of viewing situations, and modify unhelpful behavior.

I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified DBT Clinician. I am also intensively trained in exposure-based treatment for anxiety disorders.

When life feels messy, out-of-control, even unbearable, it's easy to forget that the human experience is inherently a messy one. Much of the mess is our best attempts at functioning under a deeply flawed and oppressive system. If you seek to understand yourself and your relationships to people and systems around you, to grow and heal, and to explore being human, I would love to share this experience with you. I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with challenges such as individual/generational trauma, sex/intimacy, adoption/fostering, interracial couples/families, ADHD/Autism, and LGBTQIA+ challenges.

Life is a journey of joys and challenges that shape who we are and how we view the world. Sometimes, these challenges become overwhelming, affecting our well-being and disrupting important aspects of our lives. Therapy offers a chance to step back from daily life and create a space for self-exploration and growth. It’s a time to pause, reflect on your experiences, and make sense of what has shaped you. I’m committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can freely express your thoughts and emotions without fear of criticism or misunderstanding.

My ideal therapy client wants to put in the work to explore themselves and be willing to take me along that journey with them. I'm here to listen, validate and challenge when needed. While my speciality is DBT, I also enjoy psychodynamic and person-centered approaches. I provide individual supervision for LCSW candidates as well. My ideal LSW supervisee is willing to be open and honest with themselves and with me as a newer social worker. I'm excited to support you in your adventure towards being an independent mental health professional and help you equip yourself with the tools needed for introspection, sound ethics and success.

It takes courage to recognize and accept when we might need help. Finding the right therapist to help may be even more challenging. My therapeutic philosophy is based on the idea that each of us has the capacity for healing and growth within ourselves. Therapy should provide you with the space to be your true and authentic self, without judgment, allowing you the freedom to realize your capacity to create meaning in your life. We will work together to develop a relationship rooted in safety and trust so that you can make choices and changes at a pace that feels right for you.

I believe most people benefit from a therapist who can share an understanding of their situation or relationship, while also providing a new perspective and feedback on what is getting in their way. Whether you want to take better care of yourself or your relationship with an important person, or you want to address a big stressor, I can help you feel more self-assured and make constructive changes.

Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.

Accepting new clients! Your neurodivergence makes you feel "other" and "on the outside" in a world that is set up for neutrotypicals. The consistent pressure to function as if your brain is not different makes day-to-day life so exhausting you could burst. You are starting to come to terms with the fact that your intrusive thoughts and compulsions may actually be OCD, but you have no idea where to start with something that feels so big. You are tired of pretending that your partners aren't your partners when discussing... well, everything. You want to discuss the complexities and nuances of your relationships. ALL of them.

My goal as a therapist is to help you understand yourself better, enabling you to make healthier choices that will improve your life. I’m passionate about helping people gain insight into the unhelpful patterns, beliefs, and fears that hold them back and will collaborate with you to develop a plan to address your concerns that will challenge you to grow, yet meet you where you are today. My areas of expertise include Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and Eating Disorders. I also frequently work with individuals experiencing depressive disorders, perfectionism, relationship issues, and grief.