Clinical Services
* In-person sessions available in Avon, Connecticut | Teletherapy sessions available in Connecticut and North Carolina*
Therapy for Adults
Therapy for Teens
Family Therapy
Treatment Specialties
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that includes obsessive and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts and feelings that create significant distress. Compulsive behaviors are attempts to reduce distress in the short-term which end reinforcing the OCD cycle in the long term. Some common obsessive subtypes include but are not at all limited to: Contamination, Symmetry and Order, Harm, Religious or Moral, Sexual, Health, Relationships
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about a wide range of events or activities. Individuals with GAD often find it difficult to control their anxiety and may experience persistent feelings of apprehension or dread. Physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating are common.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where individuals fear embarrassment, humiliation, or scrutiny by others. People with SAD often experience excessive anxiety about social interactions, leading to avoidance of situations such as public speaking, meeting new people, or participating in group activities. Physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, trembling, or nausea may accompany these situations.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks that cause significant distress. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. People with panic disorder often develop a fear of future attacks and may avoid situations or places where attacks have occurred before.
Phobias
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities. These fears provoke intense anxiety or panic when encountered, often leading to avoidance behaviors that can significantly impact daily functioning. Some common specific phobias include: Vomit (Emetaphobia), Animals such as dogs, cats, Elevators or confined spaces (Claustrophobia.
Health Anxiety
Health anxiety, also known as illness anxiety disorder or hypochondriasis, is characterized by excessive worry or fear about having or acquiring a serious illness despite reassurance from medical professionals. Individuals with health anxiety often misinterpret bodily sensations or minor symptoms as signs of a severe medical condition, leading to persistent anxiety and distress. This preoccupation with health can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, and occupational functioning.
Trauma/PTSD
Trauma refers to an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, often resulting in feelings of helplessness, fear, or horror. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a specific psychiatric condition that can develop following exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, assault, natural disaster, or serious accident. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the event, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal or reactivity.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health challenge characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's physical appearance that are not observable or appear minor to others. Individuals with BDD often spend a significant amount of time focusing on these perceived flaws, which can cause distress and impair daily functioning. Common areas of concern include skin, hair, nose, eyes, and overall body shape.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism is characterized by striving for flawlessness and setting excessively high standards for oneself or others. Individuals with perfectionism often engage in rigid, critical self-evaluation and are highly sensitive to making mistakes or falling short of their expectations. This can lead to significant distress, anxiety, and impairment in various domains of life, including work, relationships, and personal well-being.
Treatment Approach
Treatment is tailored to each client as every person has a unique history and set of challenges. And while every treatment process is individualized, they all are grounded in evidence-based approaches.
My work is influenced by two main clinical models: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that aims to help individuals cultivate a rich and meaningful life. It emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance techniques to help clients become aware of and accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change or avoid them. ACT focuses on clarifying personal values and using them as a guide for setting goals and taking action. It encourages clients to engage in behaviors that align with their values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions. Ultimately, ACT seeks to promote psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to live more fully in the present moment and move towards a meaningful life.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a behavioral therapy technique primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or thoughts (exposure) while preventing them from engaging in their usual compulsive rituals or avoidance behaviors (response prevention). ERP encourages individuals to increase their willingness to experience discomfort while learning new, more flexible ways to respond to their fears.