Making the decision to help a child or teen who is struggling academically, behaviorally, socially and/or emotionally may be the most important decision that you make. I see each child/teen as a puzzle. I use a variety of techniques to help each child/teen negotiate this time in their lives and to help them find their own voice.
Again, I see each child/teen as a puzzle. Sometimes the pieces fit together perfectly and other times it is necessary to work really hard to find the right piece to complete the puzzle. I believe that a child/teen is part of a larger system, including parents, siblings, friends, extended family, community and school. I strive to work with all aspects of a child's world.
I see children and teens with anxiety; depression; trauma (including but not limited to sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, emotional and/or physical abuse); problematic sexual behavior (PSB); low self-esteem; ADHD, self-regulation concerns; learning differences; social relationships and bullying. In addition, I work with children and teens whose families are involved in separation and divorce.
I conduct psychoeducational/neuropsychological evaluations – ages 3 through young adults. Testing encompasses: cognitive assessment; achievement testing; processing abilities; attention; memory; language; executive functioning; ADHD; and learning differences. I also administer Admissions tests for the Washington area Independent Schools.
I hold two doctoral degrees – one in Education/Special Education/Learning Disabilities and the second in Clinical Psychology/Child and Adolescent. I completed a postdoctoral program in neuropsychological assessment and have advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); play therapy; Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT); children with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB-TF-CBT). In addition, I have worked in schools and with educators for my entire career. With my experience and training, I feel that I am able to look at children and teens through a variety of different lenses.
I am a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Washington, DC. In addition, I have the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under the PSYPACT Commission.
Specialties & Clinical Interests
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Depression
- Divorce & Separation
- Domestic Abuse/Violence
- Family Conflict
- Learning Disabilities
- Oppositional/Defiant Behavior
- Parenting & Parent-Child Relationships
- Phobias & Fears
- Relationships
- School Performance
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Injury
- Sex Offenders
- Sexual Abuse
- Trauma & Ptsd
Therapy Types
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness
- Play Therapy & Sandtray
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Therapy