About

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I obtained my doctorate degree (Psy.D.) from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia PA. I obtained my undergraduate and master's degree from Millersville University, Millersville, PA. I have over 30 years of experience in the mental health field and during those years I have worked with ages ranging from infants to geriatrics. I owned and operated my own private practice for many years in Lancaster County, PA. My practice provided testing, assessment, diagnostics, and therapy. I specialized in the diagnosing and treatment of Autism and Intellectual Disabilities as well as provided therapy for young adults and adults. With regard to therapy I have extensively treated depression and anxiety, which are the two most common mental health issues that arise. I have also treated those suffering from trauma (PTSD) especially related to physical abuse, verbal abuse, and neglect. I have also worked with persons facing unwanted adjustments in their lives, such as grief, loss, and drastic changes in their lives. I have also worked extensively with persons dealing with personality disorders. In my years of experience I have encountered and treated most of the major mental health issues that people face and have worked with symptoms ranging from mild through the level that hospitalization has been required.

With regard to my treatment modality, I was trained primarily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. While I still often use this as a basis of treatment quite often, my years of experience have taught me that flexibility in treatment approach is necessary and to "do what works." Each person who comes in for treatment is an individual and the notion that "one size fits all" with regard to treatment approach is simply not true. As individuals, each client requires and deserves an individualized approach fashioned with his/her specific needs, situation, and personality considered. I believe that collaboration in treatment is necessary and therefore the client is included in all aspects of the treatment process and planning. However, I also realize that clients are coming to a professional for guidance and direction and therefore I also provide this guidance and leadership in the therapy process that is needed in order for progress to be made. I also require that clients are actively involved in treatment, which includes working between sessions. I firmly believe that it is not the one hour per week of therapy that makes a difference but rather it is the 167 hours between the sessions where the real work is done. As such, clients are required to complete tasks between sessions that will reinforce and practice the skills that are being worked on in the therapy sessions. As a therapist I do not see my job as "fixing" the client's problems but rather teaching him or her to learn to fix his/her own problems - the current problem as well as those that will arise in the future. I work to train clients in the skills they need to manage their own lives effectively. I do not foster dependence on myself as I see this as a disservice to the client. I do not see therapy as a forever service but rather one that arms clients with knowledge and skills in order to carry on with their own lives effectively.

My goal as a therapist is to work myself out of a job by teaching each client what they need to know it order to feel better and to reach his or her fullest potential. You will find that I am compassionate and empathetic but also direct and no-nonsense in my approach. There are times when clients needs to be comforted and shown compassion, and there are times when they need to be given a good push, and I know when is the time for each approach. You will find my to be open, honest, direct, and trustworthy. If you think that we would be a good match, I look forward to hearing from you.