I offer weekly and intensive psychotherapy for people living with neurological disabilities, severe mental health conditions, and anxiety disorders.
EpilepsyWhether you have been navigating epilepsy since childhood or developed the disorder as an adult, your experience of epilepsy is as unique as you are. I have extensive experience working with the psychiatric and psychosocial issues that go hand in hand with epilepsy, and work closely with neurologists, psychiatrists, and other providers specializing in this multifaceted condition. Epilepsy does not have to run your life. My approach is to support your autonomy and fullest quality of life, rather than focusing on someone else’s agenda.
For families of adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities, I draw on my experience in disability services to offer a unique combined skill set. I’m well versed in the application process for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
Somatic conditionsEvery physical experience has psychological and social aspects, and it works the other way too.
Somatic symptoms are a sign of hope: they can be a signal, a symbol, a powerful regulatory response, an indication of an underlying issue that needs to be understood and verbalized.
Psychogenic seizures and functional neurological disorderPsychogenic seizures (functional neurological disorder) are seizure and other clinical events that medical professionals can’t link to a clear cause. Often, but not always, this type of seizure occurs in people who experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect in early childhood. Too often, people with psychogenic seizure disorders believe that because typical “organic” causes have been ruled out, their seizures are somehow not real, and impossible to alleviate, at the same time. Shame, anger, and guilt can become a cycle that feels unending and scary. You don’t have to go through it alone, and more often than not, psychotherapy can offer an opportunity to regularly emotionally self-regulate. Psychotherapy can also strengthen your ability to build an active, socially engaged life; sometimes seizures get less intense or less frequent, but the goal is to maximize your quality of life, not to eliminate any particular part of your experience, identity, and sense of self.
Personality disordersWhen longstanding needs for care, affection, and emotional safety have gone unmet, we develop survival habits that can become destructive. Protective measures can impede even our closest relationships. Growing up too fast sometimes interferes with our ability to move through important stages of development. But, being able to ask for help demonstrates your ability to create safety, stability, and sustained, fulfilling relationships.
When we put our experiences into words, we become more aware of the social and psychic dynamics that influence our lives.
Anxiety disordersAnxiety is ubiquitous, but when we have had to go to great lengths to manage it, the world can seem threatening, unpredictable, and out of control. My approach isn’t to get rid of anxiety, but to understand and work with what’s causing you to feel overwhelmed. I have experience treating agoraphobia, compulsions, panic attacks, and social anxiety. For the treatment of anxiety disorders, I may recommend a higher session frequency if your symptoms are acute or significantly interfere with your ability to function day-to-day.