In order for you to get the most out of counseling or an evaluation, it is important for you to be able to trust the psychologist with whom you work. I understand that coming to talk to a “stranger” may feel intimidating for you and/or your child. Sharing your difficulties can make you feel vulnerable, and it is my goal to make you and /or your child feel safe, and able to confront your difficulties with confidence. In order for you to feel as though you have made the right choice in a psychologist, I’d like to tell you a little bit more about myself. It is important that you know that I am a person first, and a psychologist second.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and my masters and doctorate degrees from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. My area of specialization was in school and counseling psychology, and I have extensive training in counseling, evaluation and consultation services for children as young as toddlers to as old as college students. I have had a wide range of experiences including school settings, university clinics, residential treatment facilities, and private practice. This has enabled me to see children and adolescents in the variety of environments in which they learn and grow. I have worked with families in significant crisis, and families who just need a little tweak in order to get back on track. Finally, I have obtained additional post-graduate training in the area of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, which has enabled me to additionally specialize in assisting pregnant and new mothers, as well as their partners and families, with adjustment to this significant life change.
In addition to private work, I have worked for the Hillsborough and Pinellas County School Districts providing psychological services to students at the elementary and secondary levels. I have provided evaluations for children with severe learning or emotional difficulties, as well as for gifted learners. I have provided counseling for children and families related to the entire spectrum of issues, from divorce, grief and anger management, to anxiety, depression and self-injurious behaviors.
More than anything I truly believe that the children, families and new mothers with whom I work have just as much to teach me as I have to teach them (if not more!). I view my role as a psychologist as flexible; at times I will be your guide, at others just a good listener, and at other times your partner and strongest advocate. I respect the parent’s point of view when wanting only the best for their child, and work hard to find unique solutions to problems which meet each individual family’s needs. Finally, I understand how difficult it can be to pick up the phone and ask for help, especially for the new mothers I see, and I hold the honor of helping you in the highest regard.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little bit. I look forward to the opportunity to get to know you and your family better.