I have always been fascinated by human thought and behavior and so it was an easy and natural decision to move into this field. In fact, looking back, I realize I had been a therapist-in-training long before I ever attended my first psychology class.

My interest in incorporating the body into therapy has been a natural extension of growing up with a Mother who taught Yoga for over 30 years. Having had a lot of experience in how the body can affect the mind and vice versa, I set out on a journey to create a nexus of healing that would benefit my clients and myself. I first received advanced training in EMDR. This is a powerful and often very effective technique. It has become an integral part of my practice and has helped people attain valuable and lasting results.

I then earned my certification in Bioenergetics. Originally developed by Alexander Lowen, MD, in the 1950s, Bioenergetics is an extension of the previous work of Wilhelm Reich, the grandfather of all body-centered therapies.Through this work, I have learned a great deal about my own body and resolved much of my own emotional pain. Though Bioenergetics isn’t for everybody, it can be a powerful catalyst to deep emotional healing when appropriate.

I also have a year of training in Psychodrama. Though the term could evoke some less-than-healing images, it is just another approach to therapy that involves a creative form of role play to facilitate a deeper understanding of one’s relationships to self and others.

As an extension of my interest in the mind-body connection, I have become interested in the neurobiology of the brain. As a result, I have partnered with Neuroscience, Inc. in order to make neurotransmitter testing available to clients through a simple at-home urine test. The results of these tests determine areas of deficiency in adrenal and brain functioning and Targeted Amino Acid therapy is recommended and available through my office to treat these deficiencies. This has proven to be a valuable alternative and support to psychotropic medications and many clients have had tremendous success in receiving natural neurotransmitter support.

Every therapist has her or his own personal and professional style. In an effort to describe mine, I would say my approach is both personal and eclectic. Each individual that enters my office comes in with a unique history and perspective, and I make a conscious effort to understand and become familiar with their very personal experience of life. No one approach works for everyone. That’s why I like having many “tools in my toolbox.” I work with each person to get clear on his or her goals and together we develop a clinical strategy to work toward a common purpose. Though some people seek a more directive approach, while others require more validation and support, my personality generally reflects a gentle, empathic approach. Ultimately, I consider myself somewhat of a wilderness guide with a flashlight, perhaps just one step ahead of my client providing light and focus where needed.

I presently live and work in Private Practice in Sarasota, Florida. I am a Native Floridian, born in Miami. I have lived in Sarasota and close to my family for 25 years and feel very grounded here. I have been a Big Sister in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Organization since 1999.. I am a member of The International Bioenergetic Society. I received both Bachelor and Master’s Degrees from University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. In addition to my formal education, I also enjoy studying and applying certain mainstream philosophies and approaches such as that of Byron Katie and Eckhart Tolle.

For more details on my credentials, see below:

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCAL WORKER: What Does This Mean?
A Master's Degree in Social Work, two years of post graduate clinical supervision, passing of the National Clinical and State Laws Exams.

CERTIFIED BIOENERGETIC THERAPIST: What Does This Mean?
Four years of direct and group training, 150 hours of Bioenergetic Psychotherapy and 50 hours of Clinical Supervision.

TRAINED IN EMDR: What Does This Mean?
This acronym stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The training is only offered to Licensed Mental Health Professionals and exclusive to the clinical application of EMDR. I have completed both the basic and advanced levels of training in this modality and continue to pursue post-advanced education in EMDR when available.

CERTIFIED IN HYPNOTHERAPY: What Does This Mean?
Attendance and completion of a 50-hour training program on using Hypnosis in Clinical Treatment.

CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR: What does this mean?
Attendance and completion of the six month Acarya Yoga Instructor's Training Program. This involves study of the body and the role of Yoga in healing.