Training and Experience

I am a Masters level psychotherapist licensed by the State of Florida. In 1993 I earned a Masters Degree in Education, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Miami and have worked for several community mental health agencies in South Florida as a Family Therapist, Parenting Instructor, School Counselor and  as a Consultant to Miami Dade County Public School's First Start and Even Start Programs.  For many years I worked as an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College teaching the Children of Divorcing Parents and Sandcastles Program.  In June of 2007, I opened my private practice in the Kendall area.

As a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, I am trained and certified by the Association for Play Therapy (www.apt.org) to work with children and families using play therapy techniques. I have also received training from certified members of the Sandplay Therapy Association (www.sandplay.org and www.sandsearch.org).  I was a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for many years and served on the Board of the Florida Association of Marriage and Family Therapists in Miami, Florida.

I have earned certificates in Spiritual Mentoring, Hypnotherapy, and MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction).

Therapeutic Style and Approach

My psychotherapy style is collaborative, stemming from my believe that change comes from within the individual, whom with increased awareness, can make the necessary corrections to improve his or her life. 

Therapy is a process and a journey of learning and increasing mindfulness and understanding of how we interact with ourselves (our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, actions) and with others (communication, relationships). 

My approach is holistic in that I believe in the interconnection which exists between our mind-body-spirit-soul and; therefore, will invite clients to examine all aspects of their being, i.e., physical,  emotional, psychological, and spiritual, and identify areas which may be out of balance in their life as well as help them develop a "Self-Care Plan". 

I will emphasize self responsibility and self care, and assist clients in learning new and more effective coping skills and problem solving abilities and assist them to reach a higher level of functioning within the different roles they are in.  One of the important and necessary goals of therapy is "a change in psychological attitude" towards Self,  others, and community. 

As a therapist, I believe my role is to support clients on their journey of growth in which they will continue learning about themselves, recognizing their unique strengths, capabilities, and utilizing these to make necessary changes in their lives so that they may reach their goals and realize their dreams of increasing overall satisfaction in their life, meeting their personal and professional goals, as well as experiencing the peace and emotional balance that comes when a life is lived with a sense of purpose and meaning.  

I will not push clients further than they are ready or wish to go, but I will remind them of the goals they have stated during sessions and the steps they and I have formulated together in order to assist them in reaching their goals. 

About Therapy

While psychotherapy is a process which involves discussing concerns and expressing emotions during sessions, in order for therapy to be effective, it is very important that psychotherapy clients, with my assistance, define specific behavioral goals and that these goals be translated into action steps which clients will commit to take outside of the consulting room in order to realize progress in treatment.  Unless clients are willing to commit to taking action inside and outside of the therapy office (making small changes in attitudes and behaviors), progress will be minimal and clients will most likely feel stuck in the process.

During the course of treatment, I may suggest that clients complete homework assignments which may involve writing letters, reading books or articles, journaling, drawing, or attending classes, workshops, or support groups, completing on-line assessments, and practicing daily meditation.  I will expect clients to complete these assignments before our next session so that we may discuss their experiences the next time we meet. 

Homework is an intricate part of therapy, which facilitates the formulation of additional tasks, understanding "what worked, what didn't", generates new ideas, explores new options, and helps clients to practice their newly learned skills thereby increasing their awareness and fostering progress.  As I stated earlier, these behavioral changes are necessary in order to achieve clients' stated goals.

We will focus on clients' strengths and resources and together will explore options and brainstorm solutions to help clients move closer to achieving their goals.  It is important that clients take responsibility and initiative during their treatment thereby actively engaging in the process of therapy.  These efforts will payoff and determine the duration as well as the outcome and success of  therapy.

Psychotherapy is not an exact science, therefore, no guarantees can be made regarding the process or outcome of  therapy.  As with other medical treatments, there are always risks involved which may include increased distress during the initial course of treatment, an increase in symptoms (which are usually temporary), or the realization that ending a relationship is the most healthy course of action. 

Clients may seek a second opinion from another psychotherapist or terminate therapy at any time, but I would ask that clients discuss their plans during sessions and inform me ahead of time of their intentions. 

Our office will be permanently closed as of November 1st, 2022.  

  Waiting Room