West Falls Psychotherapy Group

At our practice, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for individuals, adolescents, and families to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years of experience, I have the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds to address a wide range of concerns. My approach is tailored to each individual's unique needs, and I believe that understanding the past and the present is crucial in promoting positive change.

Professional Background

I earned my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland in 1988 and have been licensed as a psychologist since 1990. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals, families, and couples, providing psychotherapy, psychological evaluations, and psychoeducational assessments. My experience includes ten years of work at the Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health, where I conducted individual therapy, psychological evaluations, and parenting classes. I have also worked at the D.C. Institute of Mental Hygiene and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Adult Psychotherapy

In adult psychotherapy, I work collaboratively with clients to explore their reasons for seeking therapy and set treatment goals. My approach is interactive and supportive, focusing on increasing self-awareness to promote positive change. We may explore past experiences to gain insight into current patterns and behaviors. Depending on the client's needs and goals, we may use more directive interventions to help achieve positive change.

Adolescent Psychotherapy

Adolescent therapy focuses on helping teens understand themselves and make healthy decisions as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. I conduct initial assessments by meeting with the adolescent and gathering background information from parents. Feedback is provided about initial clinical impressions and suggestions for treatment. Issues of confidentiality are also discussed and agreed upon. Family therapy or parent meetings may be recommended.

Child Psychotherapy

In child psychotherapy, I work with children aged kindergarten and older. The assessment process involves individual meetings with the child and parents, as well as therapy sessions. The therapeutic playroom provides a comfortable space for children to communicate and express themselves. I provide feedback and suggestions for treatment while working collaboratively with parents to address their child's challenges.

Treatment Philosophy

My treatment philosophy is that past experiences, particularly within the family, significantly influence an individual's current strengths and areas of concern. Therefore, we may explore relevant areas from the past to gain insight into patterns affecting one's life. However, the main focus is on current concerns, with more directive interventions integrated into our work as needed.