Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Auburn, NY covered by Aetna

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf" is a Jon Kabat-Zinn quote relevant to these challenging times. I'm a seasoned mental health counselor with experience in supporting individuals to find creative solutions for anxiety and depression, as well as relationship issues and family dynamics. I will provide a safe environment to help facilitate positive changes in your life. I have a specialization in life transitions, and working with people pleasers and stuck creatives.

When you become a parent, your child is the apple of your eye. You want the best life for them and you will do almost anything to ensure their safety and their happiness. Children bring joy to our lives; they are energetic, quirky and imaginative. Kids exhibit their personalities through play and social connections. Watching our tiny humans grow and learn is precious. Children test boundaries with adults as part of several developmental stages. Being inquisitive creatures, this is a child’s way of testing the environment. Dynamic relationships can affect a child's wellness causing behaviors that confuse parents and children.

Thankfully, there is help for parents and children who are concerned about ADHD, depression or anxiety. Children require creative methods of intervention to help them through these scary times. Because children’s play is often imaginative and accentuates their thoughts and feelings, creative arts therapy is the technique I use to help you and your child.

The best strategy with kids is to mimic their level of energy, shyness or creativity that they are expressing. The focus of therapy is to help your child learn coping skills that will benefit them in their world. Let’s work together to ensure your little peanut or preteen has all the tools they need to reach their full potential.

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing”. -Charles Schaefer. Play is vital for children to express themselves and learn about their surroundings and general environment. In addition to exploration, it is essential for their development. Allowing the space for them to play freely generates the possibility of understanding their world and their motivation. Instead of the traditional format of communication, we often learn more about a child's thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles by watching them play.

To be able to give a child power, motivation, and confidence will set the foundation for a successful life. Often times when dealing with a traumatic situation and learning to deal and cope with it effectively, allows a child (or anyone for that matter) to become the best versions of themselves and learn to move forward.

Play Therapy sessions with a Licensed clinician that cares and helps create a safe place. I guide my clients and their parents every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The works I do benefits children coming from abusive homes and dealing with some of those challenges.

I’m a clinical social worker with many years of experience working with people of all ages in a variety of settings. I hold particular expertise supporting those impacted by trauma, navigating significant life transitions, experiencing grief or loss, and those struggling with mood disorders.

I began my career as a Fulbright Scholar, conducting research on traditional medicine in Sochi, Russia. I presented my work at the United States Embassy in Moscow, highlighting cross-cultural perspectives in healthcare and integrative practice.

After completing my grant, I attended New York University (NYU). I then completed a residency at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. I went on to earn my doctorate from the University of San Diego, California, where I focused on digital telehealth treatment for psychiatric care.

I am passionate about working with Veterans and individuals experiencing Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. In 2023, I completed CIIS training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. In 2025, I was among the first providers in Colorado and in the country to become licensed as a psilocybin facilitator.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) offering teletherapy in New York and Connecticut. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience. I specialize in working with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, sports performance-related stress, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, life transitions, and relationship concerns.