Change is difficult. We often need someone we can trust to validate our struggles and nudge us forward. My clients feel some challenge, but are given realistic expectations, practical skills, and an open heart in return. They appreciate being held accountable while trusting they can safely make mistakes. Many find comfort in learning they have my unconditional support and that I breathe with them through distress - we work as a team.
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My clinical expertise lies with severe eating disorders and complex trauma, though I currently treat a wide variety of concerns. My therapy process often involves exploring the function of patterns and developing more adaptive ways to identify and meet your needs, emphasizing the power of corrective experiences.
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Take a look at my expertise below and contact me today to schedule a session!
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Eating Disorders
As every good therapist knows, it's not about the food. I've worked with a wide range of eating disorders, from extreme dieting to residential level of care, and at the crux of every eating disorder you can find pervasive struggles around control and deeply held shame. I am an advocate for intuitive eating, Health At Every Size (whenever possible), and believe that full recovery is possible.
My experiences have given me wisdom into the ins and outs of eating disorders - I know all the tricks and no eating disorder can sneak past me. In our sessions, it is your voice, your true voice, that gets a platform. I use process-oriented therapy combined with DBT skills work to help you finally let go of that white-knuckled grip on weight and reclaim your true self.
This work is all about learning to let go - let go of control, let go of shame, let go of unhealthy societal standards. It's time to focus on healing your struggle instead of focusing on food.
Trauma
Any time you feel helpless and overwhelmed can be considered traumatic. Our brains and bodies remember such times differently than others. These times feel sharper, more consuming, and as if they are happening right now, in the present. Occasionally, our brains may not recall anything at all, but our bodies always remember - if you've ever found yourself freaking out over ordinary things for seemingly no reason (to put it non-clinically) ... this is what I mean.
I frequently work within a specific niche around complex trauma, childhood sexual abuse, and co-occurring eating disorders, though I have experience with a wide range of presenting traumas. I truly believe that all struggle is worthy of care, compassion, and healing. Together we will help you understand what happened, process, grieve, and consolidate your experiences, and move forward with a sense of worth and empowerment.
Every person will encounter periods of low moods and high stress at various points in life. But for some, these times start to feel unbearable and seemingly unending. My background training is in the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety, and I continue to help many people navigate through such times today.
In our sessions, we will use process/insight-oriented therapy to help you feel heard and validated. You may be surprised to find that the simple act of sharing your story and receiving support brings enormous relief. CBT and DBT are integrated along the way to teach you how to identify faulty thought patterns (goodbye, cognitive distortions!), change deeply held beliefs (see ya later, low self-esteem!), and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of coping (hello, self-compassion!). Anxiety and mood will always have ups and downs, but they no longer have to control your life.
Depression & Anxiety
I received my PhD from the University of Louisville in 2014 with my doctoral dissertation researching eating disorders and cognitive theory. My APA-accredited internship was at at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I worked for a year before moving to Massachusetts for my post-doctoral fellowship at Cambridge Eating Disorder Center. I loved it so much that I continued working at CEDC after fellowship as a senior psychologist in the residential unit as well as a supervisor for post-doctoral fellows and residential counselors. In 2018, I moved into private practice and I've solely focused on outpatient work ever since!
Clients, family, and friends describe me as compassionate, knowledgeable, humorous, and honest. I have a never-ending passion for psychology and personal growth. You'll get to know me for my direct and supportive style, from-the-heart laugh, and seemingly infinite curiosity of the world.
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I currently reside in Amsterdam, Netherlands and keep close ties to my personal and professional community in Boston, MA. Because my practice is all via telehealth, I'm able to see clients in the US from NL. I provide different services to those living in Amsterdam - click here to find out more info.
About Me
