Services

Individual therapy, ( Adults 18 and above/Teens 14-18) also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy, and counseling, offers clients a way to work one-on-one with a therapist to identify their symptoms, discover any underlying issues preventing progress or relief, and equip them with practical, achievable steps to experience lasting changes.  In therapy, clients will overcome issues and will develop  strengths, build new coping skills, and gain an understanding of the roots of their issues and develop plans that will prevent or limit their symptoms from becoming unmanageable. 

As a certified fitness professional and instructor, my personal approach to therapy includes the belief that a healthy mind and body are not mutually exclusive.  I have worked in the fitness industry for over 18 years and am certified in Pilates, Yoga and TRX and  teach a variety of classes in the shore area  including strength, conditioning and dance classes. Clients seeking to make healthier choices in their lives with regard to fitness and nutrition are provided with the tools and motivation necessary to accomplish their emotional and physical health goals. Clients learn the skills and information necessary to shed weight, eat better, reduce the amount of stress in their life and set healthy and realistic goals.  Personalized individual and group classes discussed on a case by case basis. 

Being in a narcissistic relationship is  frustrating, exhausting, emotionally draining and has a serious impact on one’s mental health. Narcissistic relationships tend to begin in a whirlwind of social and emotional intensity that can leave one feeling somewhat off-balance. That feeling of being  “out of sorts” is one of the key characteristics of a narcissistic relationship, as is an ongoing sense of things never feeling quite “right.” The narcissistic individual often leverages these circumstances to isolate, create conflict and ultimately control their partner.  This doesn’t happen overnight, and oftentimes is so subtle and insidious that one can find themselves in a dysfunctional, toxic and abusive relationship before one has even realized what’s happened.  Gaslighting, projection, blaming, stonewalling, lying, and lack of ownership are the hallmarks of narcissistic behavior.  My training and experience in narcissistic abuse and relationships, whether it be with a romantic partner, family member, friend or colleague, allows me to educate and teach my clients effective tools to deal with these malignant and covert cluster B personality disordered individuals.  Clients will learn about narcissism as a spectrum disorder,  skills to heal the traumas associated with narcissistic relationships and the underlying issues that may have caused them to enter such a relationship.  

Anxiety is  another common condition that is characterized by a feeling of unease and stress.  It can be triggered by traumatic events, social, workplace and school situations; while it is natural to experience a certain degree of anxiety from time to time, experiencing too much anxiety on a consistent basis becomes unhealthy.  Living in a constant or near constant state of anxiety that one feels unable to control is destabilizing and will rarely correct itself without proper interventions.  When the body is under stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol, this is a self-preserving mechanism intended to reduce the stressful feeling(s).   Over time, cortisol can weaken the immune system. This is why treating anxiety improves overall health and well-being.

 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)  is an anxiety disorder brought on by experiencing or witnessing a traumatizing or terrifying event.  Symptoms can include nightmares, recurring flashbacks, avoidance behaviors,  severe anxiety and changes in personality and mood.  Symptoms of PTSD may change in intensity over time.  Unexpected triggers may cause flashbacks or panic attacks.  Therapy can help clients process traumatic events and integrate coping mechanisms so clients no longer feel controlled by them.   The practices of meditative relaxation, breath control and movement can assist clients experiencing PTSD by increasing their concentration, focus and self-awareness.  Teaching clients to utilize guided meditative techniques  can aid in managing stress and   help  them to overcome obstacles that may be  impeding their overall wellness.  Utilizing my training as a fitness professional allows me to explore alternative modalities   through movement with clients to help alleviate symptoms associated with PTSD.

First responders, military personnel and police face situations every day that most people could never even imagine.  My goal as a therapist is to help those who hold careers as military, police and first responders find more peace and fulfillment in their lives. The necessary training for individuals in these careers is demanding and intense, yet for all of the required training, individuals in these careers rarely prioritize their own well-being.  I can help with that.  The challenging and often unspeakable things that are experienced by those in these types of careers are not known to many; talking with a spouse,  family member, or  friends is not always an option.  My priorities in treatment are to provide clients with individualized and specialized help in managing their  mental health and relationship needs. Speaking with a therapist who understands and is familiar with the  unique aspects and complexities associated with these types of careers  will  allow clients to feel supported, understood, seen and heard; all necessary components required for interpersonal growth, healing, and improved mental health.  As a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and retired Fire Chief, and as a therapist who has worked with police and law enforcement throughout my career,  I am fortunate to feel accepted as a competent provider of services for this esteemed demographic of exclusive and brave individuals.