strengths-based psychotherapy for adolescents and young men

Young people face many challenges as they work to understand themselves and their world. Learning about one’s strengths and weaknesses, building trust and comfort in relationships, finding purpose in pursuing one’s goals, and envisioning the future all require deep engagement, thoughtful reflection, and the courage to take risks.

Over more than thirty years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve had the good fortune to know, to help, and to learn from a great many young people. I am committed to being there for them, and to supporting their exploration of who they are and where they want to go.

I’m committed to:

  • Recognizing and valuing strengths

  • Addressing concerns clearly and honestly

  • Working in partnership to build new skills and broaden understanding

I’m experienced at helping with:

  • Strong emotions and reactions of all kinds

  • Anxiety, worry, and stress

  • Sadness, grief, depression, and mood dysregulation

  • Impulsivity, anger, and conflictual behavior

  • Dissatisfaction with friendships and relationships

  • Social isolation and loneliness

  • Family tensions and transitions

my background and approach

After completing a BA in English Literature at Williams College, I attended the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work where I earned an MSW in 1987. For the next 21 years I held clinical and leadership roles in outpatient, diagnostic, residential, and therapeutic school settings, serving young people who struggled with severe social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. While working, I completed a PhD in Clinical Social Work at New York University, with a research focus on positive role models in the lives of young men. From 2008 to 2023, I served as a counselor at independent schools, supporting highly motivated, high-achieving students and their families at the Chase Collegiate School (Waterbury, CT) and The Spence School (New York, NY). I’ve worked with individual clients in private practice since 2018, and have been doing so full-time since 2023.

My approach integrates traditional psychodynamic foundations with evidence-based practices including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychoeducation, and mindfulness techniques. The course of treatment is determined by the individual goals and needs of each client.