When I first meet new clients, I usually tell them that, at the end of their counseling here, I expect them to be able to answer two questions:

Who am I?
and
Why do I do what I do?

That's pretty much what psychotherapy is: A chance to give you a quiet hour to let you think and talk about yourself, and come to those answers. And once you know who you are, and why you do what you do, it's like you finally found the switch for the headlights, after years of driving around in the dark.

I also tell my clients that there's a relief in just being able to sit down and tell your story to a stranger; someone who isn't connected to your daily life. Someone whose job it is to be objective, yet still be on your side.

Our counseling experience is a partnership. I will not demand that you say or do anything that you don't want to. But I can assure you that I will help you as much as you'll let me.

Who I Am, and Why I Do What I Do

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Clients are often surprised to learn that LCSW's provide most of the psychotherapy in New York State. (More on that in our FAQ section).

I'm qualified by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to perform drinking and driving re-licensure evaluations and treatment.

I'm also certified as a Substance Abuse Professional, qualifying me to perform drug and alcohol evaluations and treatment for the United States Department of Transportation.

I own a small Employee Assistance Program, and contract with a number of companies and national EAP providers to do free, confidential assessments and brief counseling for about 30 local employers. (More on that in our FAQ section.)

I've been in private practice since 1995. Prior to that, I worked for several human-services agencies and prior to that I worked in human resources at a Fortune 500 company. I've spent 30 years volunteering in the communities I lived in; for the past ten years I've been very active in Habitat for Humanity.

I've always been drawn to working with people.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: See an article in the Daily Star, April 25, 1998