About
It’s been a privilege to have worked “in the trenches” in several clinical settings over the past 20+ years prior to establishing a private practice.
I have worked with people who have severe medical problems, persistent mental health diagnoses, as well as, significant social problems. One of my major accomplishments involved creating a program that integrated behavioral health into primary healthcare for the entire outpatient Broward Health system.
EDUCATION
After obtaining my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology from the University of Florida, I continued on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Barry University. I returned to school several years later and obtained a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PSYD) from California Southern University. My doctoral level practicum and dissertation focused on couples therapy. A peer reviewed article sourced from this research is published in the Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy.
TRAINING & CREDENTIALS
I am trained in several cutting edge approaches to help individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in “systemic therapy” which focuses on how an individual’s personal relationships, behavior patterns, and life choices are interconnected with the issues they face in their life. I’m an ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and Supervisor. In addition, I’ve earned certifications in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFiT) and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). EFT is a clinically proved approach that is systemic, humanistic, grounded in attachment science.
“Certification” is a rigorous process a therapist goes through to demonstrate competency in the model before submitting an application and session tapes to an international governing board for final approval. This was achieved under the direct guidance several well-respected EFT supervisors: Jennifer Leigh, PhD. of Harvard Medical School, Michael Barnett, LPC of the EFT Center of Los Angeles, and Rachel Thomas, LMFT of the Arizona Center for EFT.
In addition, I’ve completed level 3 training in The Gottman Method of couples therapy and I’m one of a handful of Certified Discernment Counselors in Florida trained by the Doherty Relationship Institute in a method to treat “mixed agenda” couples (one or both partners may be considering divorce).
LICENSING & MEMBERSHIPS
I hold dual licensure in Florida as a Clinical Social Worker and a Marriage and Family Therapist. I hold additional licenses in AL, MD, NC, and SC. I’m recognized as a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and a member of the American Psychological Association (APA). I am the director and clinical level supervisor for the South Florida Community for Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (SFCEFT). In this role I have helped to organize over a dozen live trainings for the community.
AUTHOR & FREELANCE WRITER
As a nationally syndicated freelance writer, my articles appear on some of the most visited websites in the country such as HuffPost, Dr. Oz’s Sharecare.com, The Gottman Institute, and many others.
My self-help book for single women is titled Ghosted & Breadcrumbed: Stop Falling for Unavailable Men and Get Smart about Healthy Relationships (published by New World Library, April 2019). You can find a copy at your favorite retailer here.
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
I supervise several clinicians who are at a post-masters level seeking licensing under the Florida Board of clinical social worker, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling. I also supervise clinicians seeking certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
SPEAKER & PRESENTER
I have presented countless in-person and online lectures and workshops to other professionals, clients, and the general public at various South Florida hospitals, agencies, and other professional organizations.
EXPERIENCED MEDIA CONSULTANT
As a go-to source for relationship advice, my expert contributions appear in numerous national print and web-based media outlets such as HuffPo, P&GEveryday, Prevention, Readers Digest, Time, Bustle, MarthaStewartWeddings, Glamour, YahooHealth, Insider, MSN and a host of others.
