Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Venice, FL covered by Cigna

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience. My current focus is working with children, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 2 and 22. My practice is dedicated entirely to this age group because I believe early intervention and meaningful support during formative years can have a lasting, positive impact on a young person's life. I have worked with youth navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, and family, social and school-related stress. I often incorporate play therapy techniques into my work with young people, highlighting the ways that children and youth often express and process their experiences most naturally, through creativity and play. I also have a strong commitment to supporting parents as partners in the therapeutic process.

I am licensed as a mental health counselor, and for the past 11 years I have specialized in therapy with children, adolescents, families, and couples, in addition to providing qualified supervision of registered mental health counseling interns. More recently, I served as the clinical director of an infant mental health program in Sarasota, Florida. I received my Master's of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, and have provided therapy for families and couples in their homes, outpatient office settings, and in my private practice.

My approach to therapy for children and parents, and couples is attachment focused. My practice is based on the belief that we all need healthy attachments to significant people in our lives, and when we are hurting, it is then that we need others most. This is why I have found this therapeutic approach to be so effective. Relationships are at the core of our humanity.

Mental health therapy can be a challenge for any person regardless of situation, circumstance, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or any other entity that is viewed as the precursor to the mental health issue at hand. My mission is to enhance the quality of life for the individual and/or family unit by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques that is intended to change irrational thought patterns that manifest debilitating feelings and can lead to irrational behaviors. For those who are looking to obtain skills and tools to overcome mental health obstacles, it is my intention to provide the necessary information via cognitive restructuring techniques to assist in all facets of life. This includes mental health issues taking place in the home, community, workplace, or school. Establishing meaningful and measurable mental health goals is necessary to achieve mental health solidity. I truly enjoy working in the clinical setting with patients and it is my belief that after developing measurable treatment goals, tackling mental health issues will be much more achievable and enhance the quality of life for the patient.

I believe that prioritizing your mental health is a major key to a happy, fulfilling life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 5 years, but before I was a therapist I taught high school. Because of my background in education, I love working with young adult females who are struggling with identity, self-confidence, anxiety and depression.

I specialize in working with men who struggle with issues related to self-esteem, people-pleasing, communication and relationships.