What should I expect in our first session?
You can expect to feel understood and supported as we explore the challenges you are facing and the goals you would like to achieve. Mine is a client-centered approach that provides the support, skills, confidence, and space to address issues, whether they are performance-focused or of a more clinical nature.
How do you describe your therapeutic approach?
I believe in meeting you where you are in the process of change. I treat clients as whole people with multiple facets to their lives: Sometimes you may want to focus on broad performance goals or behavior changes, while at other times you may have a pressing problem you need to discuss. The flexibility to address either is an important part of my approach.
What do you specialize in?
In addition to my expertise in couple’s therapy and performance coaching, I have extensive experience in substance abuse treatment; motivationally-challenged populations; harm reduction; and protective strategies for substance use among young adults.
What are research areas are you interested in?
I’m a bit of a research geek, so I enjoy learning about empirically validated treatments. Most recently I have done research on the application of mindfulness to performance enhancement. I am also studying the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on various clinical issues.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It is very rewarding to work with a client and see the positive changes that can occur in multiple areas of their lives, including the issue that may have brought them to coaching or therapy. Frequently, the relationship you develop in therapy can provide a stable base for exploring changes or challenges in other aspects of life.
What inspired you to get into psychology?
As a young adult, I coached age group swimmers with performance and clinical issues, and it was challenging. I was coaching kids I really cared about and wanted them to be healthy as well as achieve their goals. When I learned about sport and performance psychology as well as effective ways to help others with their mental health, I was hooked!
In another life, what would you be doing?
I might pursue working in publishing. I love to read and worked in a research laboratory as an editor for a few years before starting graduate school. Although these days I find myself enjoying the fun escape of fiction novels.
What’s something your clients might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m training for a 3-mile open water swim in Barbados which will be my first open water swim. In the past few years, I competed in two US Masters Spring National Championships with a top 15 finish in my age group in the 200 freestyle.