484-378-9824
ABOUT THERAPY AND MY PRACTICE
I practice cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an individualized approach that is tailored to your needs. CBT can help you to cope with painful emotions, examine thoughts that cause you frustration and distress, and change behaviors that have kept you "stuck." After getting to know you and your goals, we can collaboratively choose a treatment that makes sense for you.
I have advanced training and experience in treating insomnia and the impact of trauma. Both of these concerns have a major impact on all areas of life, including mood, relationships, school/work, and physical health. But excellent treatments exist and I can explore the options with you.
I have been working with survivors of trauma for nearly 20 years, from survivors of childhood abuse, to combat Veterans, to clients who have lived through natural disasters. It is hard work at times and requires trust to be established. But there is nothing more gratifying than harnessing the resilience in each of us and helping clients move from trauma to recovery.
Sleep disruption is unfortunately very common, whether you've experienced trauma or not. However, it is also very treatable. Some of the most dramatic improvements I've seen have been in Veterans who resolved 40+ years of insomnia after just a handful of treatment sessions. And unsurprisingly, many other areas of life improve quickly once sleep improves.
At this time I am practicing solely via teletherapy (i.e., video conferencing). This is a secure and safe way to access treatment. You can read more about teletherapy below.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Although I offer booster sessions and encourage everyone to get psychological "tune ups" throughout life, my main goal is to help you become your own therapist so you can get back to living (and enjoying) your life outside of therapy.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Treatment tailored to your needs
SPECIALIZING IN COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Using evidence-based approaches
TELEHEALTH
Convenient and effective
SPECIALTIES
I am proud to provide evidence-based treatments for PTSD and insomnia. I have advanced training and experience with the following treatments and also serve as a consultant for providers learning to deliver these treatments.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA (CBT-I)
A brief treatment that teaches you to identify and change behaviors and thoughts that perpetuate insomnia. The average length of treatment is about 6 sessions and can help even if you've had insomnia for decades.
COGNITIVE PROCESSING THERAPY (CPT)
A cognitive-behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In about 12 sessions, you will learn how to identify thoughts that have gotten you "stuck" in your recovery process and to cope with the natural feelings that arise after a trauma.
PROLONGED EXPOSURE (PE)
A cognitive-behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In about 10-15 sessions you will learn how to cope with trauma memories and overcome situations that cause you anxiety.
BRIEF BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT FOR INSOMNIA (BBTI)
A behavioral treatment for insomnia. Shorter than CBTI, this treatment focuses on changing behaviors that perpetuate insomnia.
WRITTEN EXPOSURE THERAPY (WET)
An evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma recovery. Through writing exercises, you'll work through thoughts and emotions triggered by your trauma. WET is typically completed in 5 sessions.
WHY TELETHERAPY?
A few years ago, the idea of teletherapy was foreign to most. But most of us are now using video teleconferencing for work and social interactions. In fact, teletherapy has been offered (and found to be secure and effective!) for years and is gaining more popularity now.
Teletherapy is convenient for clients because they can log in from any private location and it is easier to schedule sessions when the physical commute is gone. It is convenient for me because I am able to provide quality services across the Commonwealth of PA and even to some additional states. I can help clients who might not otherwise have access to evidence-based treatments.
If you have an internet connection, a webcam, and a set of headphones, you can access teletherapy! If you have concerns, let's chat so I can answer your questions.
As an approved APIT provider, I can work with you if you live in any of the following states:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
ABOUT ME
Being a good therapist isn't just about being well trained and experienced. It's also about being genuine and open to experience. As a client, you may wonder whether we have anything in common. Let's find out!
When I'm not working, you can usually find me outdoors. I'll either be jogging, hiking, pretending to know how to garden, or napping in my hammock. I am an animal lover and my dream is to run an animal sanctuary. For now, I take every opportunity to visit exotic animals in exotic locations (I loved feeding this kangaroo in Australia!).
Life throws challenges at us all, so I take any opportunity I have to laugh and enjoy life. Friends describe me as sarcastic. I like to call it "witty." You can judge for yourself.
BLOGS, WEBINARS, AND PODCASTS
Resources for clients
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Oct 2014 - Present
SR MILITARY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST, CENTER FOR DEPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY
Develop and deliver training in evidence-based psychotherapies and the mental health needs of military servicemembers and Veterans. Provide consultation to mental health professionals working with military-connected clients and their families.
June 2008 - Present
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR, WIDENER UNIVERSITY
Teach graduate-level courses in the areas of cognitive-behavioral therapy, evidence-based psychotherapies, and the assessment and treatment of trauma-related concerns. Serve on doctoral dissertation panels.
July 2020 - Present
CONTRIBUTOR, INSOMNIA.SLEEP-DISORDERS.NET
Author educational articles about insomnia and related concerns for Health Union/Sleep-Disorders.net
Feb 2009 - Oct 2014
STAFF PSYCHOLOGIST, CORPORAL MICHAEL CRESCENZ VA MEDICAL CENTER
Provide individual and group psychotherapy to Veterans and their families with a focus on PTSD and insomnia. Supervise psychology practicum students, interns, and post-docs. Serve as consultant to Vet Center clinicians. Coordinate Cognitive Processing Therapy program.
Aug 2005 - Feb 2009
STAFF PSYCHOLOGIST, VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER
Provide individual therapy to undergraduate and graduate students presenting with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, and life transitions. Provide outreach and consultation to other University departments.
Aug 2002 - May 2006
GROUP LEADER, FAMILY SUPPORT LINE
Provide group therapy to adolescent survivors of childhood sexual abuse and new adolescent mothers. Teach workshops on preventing sexual assault and harassment at high-risk schools.