I am a licensed professional counselor, board certified art therapist and certified child life specialist. I managed a child life and creative arts department of a large renowned medical center for 20 years. Drawing on my extensive experience and education I offer a supportive and evidence based approach to therapy. Creating a nurturing environment in which young clients can explore emotional expression, develop coping skills, and expand emotional regulation.
Having a background in child life, I understand the various demands of medical treatment and diagnosis. Through integrating play-based techniques including medical and sensory play, children can process and master difficulties in a nonthreatening manner.
Mindfulness is another tool I integrate into sessions, as I am trained in guided imagery and believe in the power of mindfulness to promote a sense of calmness and positivity.
Additionally, I support those that have faced the loss of a loved one. I facilitated art therapy bereavement groups throughout my career and continue to offer individual grief therapy.
I have a degree in special education, completed training in traumatic stress studies and am a certified autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist. These certifications and decades of experience have given me a skill set in communicating with educators and medical staff .
With my special education background and counselling experience I am adept at providing therapy to children and teens diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities.
Each session is approached in a compassionate, and thoughtful manner.
I have worked with children and teens my entire professional life in various settings and truly want them to find ways to be their true selves while functioning in an often overwhelming and challenging world.
Coauthored bereavement workbook for children, “Why Did You Die?”
Coauthored chapter in “The Oxford Textbook of Palliative Social Work”
Coauthored chapter in “Art Therapy and Health Care”
Coauthored chapter in “The Health Professions: Trends and Opportunities in US Health Care“
Authored a chapter in “Working with Images: The Art of Art Therapists”
