Authentic Self Therapy
Spirit
AUTHENTIC SELF
Relationships
Community
Work
Emotions
Personal Fulfillment
Health
Body
My Values
I believe that each of us has a core self identity. This is the part of us that feels most relaxed and comfortable in our skin. It is the part that feels safe to be our true, honest self. However for many of us, we go through life and experience stress, loss and trauma and sometimes we lose hold of that self. We may feel disconnected from our bodies or unhappy in our relationships. We may feel a heaviness in our chest or a racing mind. It is my belief that we can always come back to the authentic self. There is always hope to return to that safe place and it is my role to guide you in that process.
It is also my belief that while clients and I may talk about serious topics, therapy does not always have to be serious.
It is my intention to make our time feel like a soft space to land. I encourage clients to sit comfortably (I often like to sit on my yoga mat on the floor!) and rethink the way therapy “should be.” Whether we are listening to music, doing a grounding exercise to connect to our body or a creative therapy exercise, it is my goal to meet my clients where they are with compassion and presence.
Who I Work With
I work with kids age 7 and up, adolescents and adults.
I see children and teens who have emotional and behavioral difficulties. Perhaps they have IEP’s (Individualized Education Plans) at school, they are struggling with managing “big feelings” or there is family conflict.
When I work with children and adolescents, I work closely with parents and I like to meet with parents for at least monthly check-ins. I also like to collaborate with school personnel to provide wraparound services and understand kids in the context of school and home.
I see adults who are struggling with anxiety, depressive symptoms, perhaps feeling “stuck” in various areas of life. Adults who may feel “too sensitive” or those who are struggling to maintain boundaries in relationships.
I work with clients with a history of trauma and attachment difficulties that may impact them in current relationships. I have a particular interest in working with adults who are navigating life transitions and also those who feel like traditional talk therapy does not land nor get at the real root of what they are experiencing.
My Approach
Holistic
I like to take a full picture approach when working with clients and understand what is happening externally and internally. Most importantly, I want to understand who you are, not just the symptoms you may be experiencing.
Somatic
The body and mind are inter-connected. I use mindfulness methods to help clients connect with their bodies and regulate their nervous systems. When we are in a fight or flight nervous system response, it impacts how we think and how we behave. When our nervous system is regulated, we can make decisions that are more in alignment with our values.
Creative
I believe it can be useful to use art, music or movement to connect with parts of ourselves and our bodies that are non verbal. Emotions are often stored in our bodies so non-verbal methods can help us connect to deeper unconscious thoughts and feelings.
TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)/ DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
These interventions give clients tools to understand their anxiety and trauma symptoms. These tools can also help anyone manage strong, difficult emotions in many settings and and regulate their nervous system.
Internal Family Systems
This intervention helps us understand conflicting parts and emotions, sometimes unconscious or conflicting impulses. I often engage clients in an exercise called “mapping our parts.” For example, a part of us may be repeating a behavior that is unhealthy so this would help us understand the part that is driving the unhealthy behavior and the other part that may then feel guilt or shame.
What to Expect
Once you email me to reach out, we will schedule a free 15-20 minute consultation call to see if we’ are a good fit. I often ask what brings someone to therapy and I answer any questions they have. We discuss billing and scheduling. If we decide to go ahead, I will send clients some brief paperwork to fill out.
We will either meet in person or have a virtual session Each session is around 45-50 minutes.
I usually lead with a 5 minute grounding or mindfulness exercise to tap into the body and also connect with physical sensations, emotions and thoughts. Clients may want to stay in that space longer or we may begin to talk to explore what came up from that exercise or anything else on their mind.
I regularly check in with clients on how therapy is feeling and what they want to address in our time together. I believe our sessions should be a collaborative experience!
About Me
I have always thought of myself as a deep feeler and as a child I always had big feelings. When I started college and was feeling a range of new emotions in a new environment, I started experiencing strong panic and anxiety symptoms. This eventually led me to start my own journey with therapy. Over the years, my own personal therapy experience has morphed and evolved as I have. I know as a client that it can be unbelievably rewarding, transformative and helpful to connect with a therapist and feel like you are not alone. I also know that there is no one size fits all method and my main focus as a therapist, before any intervention or style I use is to connect with my clients, get to know them and create a safe environment for our therapy sessions.
In 2016, I graduated from NYU with my Masters in Social Work Degree. After obtaining my LMSW, I worked in Brooklyn, NY for a community organization for 5 years where I worked with children, adolescents and adults with chronic health issues, high levels of stress and relationship difficulties. This work highlighted the amazing resilience humans have in the face of difficulties and also instilled me with hope in our capacity to heal. In 2021, I worked at a private practice focused on somatic therapy. In June of 2022, I started my own practice!
I have my certificate in TF-CBT (trauma focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
I have completed 20 hours of the Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Training
I have participated in PCIT (Parent Child Interactive Therapy) Training.
I have participated in Internal Family Systems Therapy Training
Come home to yourself
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Come home to yourself ·
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Authentic Self Therapy
Pillars of care
Collaborative
Holistic
Creative
Frequently asked questions
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I am currently out of network and charging a rate of $200 per session. I send a superbill to my clients which can be submitted to your insurance company for out of network reimbursement.
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Verify Benefits: Call your insurance to ask about "out-of-network behavioral health benefits," including deductible amounts and reimbursement percentages.
Pay Upfront: You pay me directly the full fee at the time of service.
Request a Superbill: I will send you a "superbill" (a detailed receipt with diagnosis and treatment codes).
Submit Claim: Submit the superbill to your insurance company via their portal, app, or mail.
Receive Reimbursement: The insurance company pays you directly, usually within a few weeks to a month.
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I am currently offering virtual sessions to all NY and CT clients. I plan to have a space to see clients in-person in Fairfield County, CT soon so stay tuned.
I look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to reach out!
