MY PHILOSOPHY: “People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them.” – Epictetus 55-135 AD. Regardless of our individual differences, we as humans tend to have a natural tendency to think irrationally and engage in acts of self-defeat, even despite our best efforts not to. Irrational thinking is simply defined as a way of thinking that is not supported by factual evidence and is largely unhealthy to our personal goals. Some common self-defeating behaviors that you may be struggling with include: avoidance, isolation, procrastination, passive or aggressive communication, substance abuse, food, sex, or gambling addiction, and self-injury. These self-defeating behaviors are also commonly linked to the unhealthy negative emotions that you may also be experiencing such as: depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, hurt, envy, and jealousy. In order to address these behaviors and feelings, I commonly use an active-directive two step therapy approach utilizing Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). REBT/CBT allows you to gain insight and awareness of your irrational thinking and self-defeating behaviors, unhealthy negative emotions, and then gives you an opportunity to modify them to the healthy rational alternatives. This in turn may lead you to gain a significant modification in how you feel, greater personal awareness and insight, increased satisfaction in your personal relationships, and increased skills for managing stress and mental health symptoms. In addition, you may gain behavioral resolutions to specific problems such as achieving abstinence from addictive behaviors or overcoming paralyzing fears and phobias. Although there are no guarantees your treatment goals will be met, I am very confident that we can work together to help you think, feel, and act in a way to help you meet your personal goals over time.

EXPERIENCE:  have worked in the mental health and substance abuse fields for over a decade and have extensive experience in several levels of care including residential treatment homes, inpatient psychiatric units, partial care programs, and intensive outpatient programs. I have completed both the primary and advanced certificate training in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy at the Albert Ellis Institute in New York City. I received my Master’s and Post Master’s degrees in Psychological Counseling at Monmouth University and I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Rutgers University. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

SERVICES PROVIDED:Individual, group, family, and couples counseling

AGES I WORK WITH: Adults 18+

COMMON ISSUES ADDRESSED: Depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders