Healthier Counseling

I am very eclectic.  After I get to know you through a brief assessment period, together we can decide what treatment may be needed or work better for your individual situation.  I do like to utilize CBT therapy and other evidence based therapies for mood disorders as it has been extremely effective.  

I received my Masters in Psychology in 2000 and opened up my private practice then.  Prior to that, I had been working as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Couselor since the ‘80’s.

 I was a Psychiatric Registered Nurse, and worked in the mental health field for many years, specializing in the practice of mood disorders.  I was lucky enough to have worked in the finest and state of the art Depression Departments around the Country. I feel fortunate to have learned from some of the top Psychiatrists from the  National Institute of Mental Health, how to diagnose and treat depression, anxiety, stress disorders , Bi-polar , and other mood disorders.  I am confident I can help you find some relief to your situation.

I work with most insurance companies, accept self- pay, and have a sliding scale for those that require one

I have always been interested in helping people.  I started volunteering in hospitals when I was just 14.  That summer, I won the award for giving the most hours. At age 18, I went through Nursing School and became fascinated by our mental health rotation.  By the end of that semester, I was hooked.  I practiced Psychiatric Nursing for many years before I knew I wanted more.  More knowledge.  More skills. So in 1997 I started grad school to practice as a therapist.  And I couldn’t be happier.

I specialize in working with people who have issues with their moods.  Depression, anxiety stress, Postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, Anger management, bipolar disorder and PTSD just to name a few mood issues.   I am able to work with children through the elderly. Individuals as well as families and groups.

Recently I worked with a first time mother who had been referred to me with Post-partum Depression.  Her baby was 5 months old when she started therapy.  She was extremely depressed, anxious and suicidal.  Though she had returned to work, she was still breastfeeding and had to resort to pumping at work.  After my initial evaluation and getting to know her better in a few more appointments , we discussed the possibility that breastfeeding could still be causing increased hormone activity, and thus the Postpartum depression. Within two weeks of stopping breast-feeding, this mother’s symptomology decreased to the point where you would’ve never known she was depressed.  She came in to her next session stating “I feel like my old self again”. Wow, I felt wonderful for her.

I would look at their experience first.  But I would also interview them , either on the phone or in person.  I believe you have to feel comfortable with your therapist.  Otherwise you may not get the experience you need.  Feeling safe, trusting, and good about your therapist is crucial to the therapy experience.