Clinical Services

A positive and nurturing patient-therapist relationship is one of the most important factors to therapeutic success. My professional goal is to develop the highest quality relationship with each patient while integrating a variety of evidence-based techniques that are catered to each patient's specific needs. I focus on fostering each patient's individual strengths in order to achieve the desired change in his or her life. My doctoral training in both clinical psychology and child psychology gives me a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges that children and families may face throughout different periods of development. 

For over 20 years I have been providing individual and family therapy for preschool- and school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I utilize a holistic approach that includes ongoing collaboration with each client's family, school, and other healthcare providers. At the outset of treatment I develop a clear, goal-oriented treatment plan with each family, and throughout the course of treatment we collaboratively evaluate progress toward each goal.

I provide an eclectic blend of evidence-based treatments for youth, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness, and positive psychology. My clinical training is grounded within a developmental psychopathology framework, which suggests that psychological disorders can be best understood as normal development gone awry. Therefore, my treatment also focuses on addressing the various mechanisms that may lead a child toward one outcome versus another (i.e., pathological versus typical development).

In addition, my treatment incorporates an understanding of the importance of adversity and overcoming challenges in the development of resilience, self-efficacy, and effective problem-solving, all of which are key attributes in both preventing psychopathology and improving treatment efficacy. I also help youth learn to be present in each moment and to accept difficult situations that they cannot change.

I received my PhD in clinical psychology and child psychology from the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota. My primary areas of expertise include the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in youth, including perfectionism, OCD, social anxiety, separation anxiety/school refusal, and PTSD. I also have extensive experience in the treatment of childhood mood disorders (e.g., depression, chronic irritability, low self-esteem), behavioral challenges (e.g., ADHD, ODD, anger issues), eating disorders/body dysphoria, and adjustment to chronic health conditions. My treatment often involves addressing various challenges related to school, such as learning disabilities, executive functioning deficits, poor social skills/peer conflict, academic stress, and sports performance issues.