I have extensive experience in the treatment of all types of eating disorders and weight-related issues.  Not only have I treated a multitude of clients with all types of eating disorders in my private practice, but also I have worked at both the Renfrew Center and the Oliver Pyatt Center and have treated patients and their families at every level of care. As Director of Training and Director of Adolescent Services for Oliver Pyatt Centers and Clementine, I have a deep understanding of what is required of an eating disorder specialist and of the complexity of treatment. Understanding the specific needs of clients who require a higher level of care or who are transitioning out of a residential program is essential so that realistic and appropriate goals can be set. 

I also work with clients who are experiencing issues related to their eating who may not meet criteria for a formal eating disorder.  Helping clients free themselves of the food or weight related “rules and restrictions” that impair their quality of life and prevent them from fully experiencing their lives is among the most satisfying work I have the privilege to do.

Additionally, there are some clients who struggle to eat normally who are not preoccupied with losing weight or perfecting their appearance. These clients are generally viewed by others to be “picky eaters” or have been labelled “selective eaters” by other professionals.  Often times, these clients are frustrated by their inability to eat a variety of foods because it affects their ability to enjoy outings with others, their nutritional needs cannot be fully met, they may feel embarrassed by the way they eat, or because others are concerned about the way they eat.  There are several reasons why this develops and it is important to work not only with the client but also the family in order to support the client in expanding their food choices.  In some cases, I may also refer these clients for more extensive evaluations to get a more holistic picture of the factors that may be contributing to this problem. Read about the different types of eating disorders. 

I have a special passion for working with individuals who struggle with mood disorders. With mood disorders, I tend to use more cognitive-behavioral strategies with a focus on fully understanding and coping skills for the signs and symptoms of a mood episode so that clients feel fully capable of caring for themselves independently.  A number of my clients have required hospitalization for their mood disorder and I have relationships with resources throughout the country to help them feel and function better.

I have worked with hundreds of clients who suffer with anxiety of all kinds, including panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder. and preoccupation with thoughts of worry or fear.  As my client, you will learn a number of practical skills to help you reduce the physiological arousal that comes with anxiety along with cognitive and behavioral coping skills to help you reduce the repetitive, intrusive thoughts. As we develop your treatment, it is likely that you will also be given therapeutic assignments to work on in between sessions to practice these newly learned skills.

I also have expertise in working with addiction and helping people whose compulsive behaviors have had negative consequences on their lives, their families, or their employment.  This does not just include substance abuse, but also gambling, sex, exercise, and smoking.  I can help you learn new behaviors and strategies that will help you live a more stable and peaceful life.