PhD, ATR-BC, LPC
Psychotherapist
I am a Psychotherapist offering group, couples and individual counseling in Malvern, Pennslyvania. I have a doctorate from Drexel University in Philadelphia where I studied the effects of an expressive intervention on emotional distress in 60 oncology patients using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Creative Arts Therapist. Additionally, I practiced Art Therapy and Counseling at Paoli Hospital, and I provided clinical supervision for Drexel University graduate students. My Master’s degree is from Drexel University as well where I studied anxiety levels in nursing and medical students during group therapy.
Prior to pursuing my doctoral degree in Creative Arts Therapies, I practiced traditional (verbal) and expressive (non-verbal) Psychotherapy at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Eagleville Hospital and Human Services, Inc. in Pennsylvania. I have experience working with a range of medical and mental health patients of all ages. I enjoy practicing Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) approaches, using the expressive therapies as a complementary and therapeutic tool when appropriate.
I am a member of the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association (DVATA) since 2003. I served on the DVATA Board of Directors from 2004 until 2008. I am also a professional member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). I have conducted numerous workshops at research conferences locally in Philadelphia, New York City, New Jersey, and San Antonio, Texas.
My research interests are with evidence-based Art Therapy and efficacy of innovative interventions, such as Art Therapy integrated with Positive Psychology. My primary research focus is with stress-reducing interventions that use Expressive Arts Therapies. The National Endowment for the Arts recently awarded me with a $20,000 Research: Art Works match-grant for my research (grant #14-3800-7007).
MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Psychotherapist
NOTE: I am currently accepting EMDR clients only; preferably with a referral from your doctor/therapist/psychiatrist.
I am a certified EMDR clinician. I am also certified in Flash Technique (an abbreviated form of EMDR therapy). I am a Board-Certified Art Therapist, and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). My EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) certification is with EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and I have successfully conducted over 1500 EMDR sessions. I specialize in working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief/loss related to serious medical diagnoses and treatment.
I have experience working with adults and children diagnosed with cancer and other chronic illnesses. I am certified to work with siblings of disabled children and with caregivers and family members who may be suffering from caregiver burnout.
My therapeutic approach depends primarily on the client’s goals and needs. I strive to meet each client where they are in a completely non-judgmental manner – using a combination of verbal therapy, trauma (EMDR) therapy and art therapy.
I have conducted groups and workshops all over the United States. I have presented the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Annual Conference, the Expressive Therapies Summit in New York, and at the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association (DVATA) Annual Conference.
I am a past supervisor for Master’s level Creative Art Therapists who are in the process of credentialing for their board certification. I am qualified to supervise for LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors) credentialing in the State of Pennsylvania. I am a past volunteer for the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), teaching cancer patients, caregivers and families, creative methods and strategies to cope with their illnesses.