I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been practicing since 2004.  I completed my undergraduate education at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from Boston College with a clinical concentration in Children, Youth and Families.  I have extensive experience working with adolescents and families, working in both office based and home based settings.  I have advocated for families in court, collaborated with school staff to support treatment goals, and have been successful in building relationships with all parties identified by the family as being a key participant in achieving our goals.  In addition to the clinical work that I have done, I have also spent a considerable part of my career serving as a clinical consultant and research expert to mental health organizations in Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, and Washington, DC.  

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I am a behavioral therapist who specializes in adolescent behavior problems that include, but are not limited to: substance abuse, depression and anxiety, physical and verbal aggression, defiance and noncompliance with rules and expectations at home and school, legal system involvement, truancy, curfew violations, and school under performance.  In addition, I also have had extensive experience working with adults to treat issues related to anxiety and depression.

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My approach to treatment is one that views the individual as holding the solution to the struggles presented.  All symptoms and behaviors have meaning and together we will explore ways to make the experience more useful.  I use research supported techniques to understand behaviors in the context of the family and social ecology in which they occur.  Together, we will use proven techniques to manage unwanted symptoms and behaviors that impact the entire family system.