Services
- Individual
- Couples
- Family
- Adolescent/Teen
- Group
About My Clients
One morning after the kids went off to school I found myself sitting on the floor of my darkroom, rocking back and forth and sobbing. It had been ten years since I last had a drink or drug so that wasn't the issue. With the help of a therapist, a psychiatrist and medication I eventually learned to live again and my life did a 180. That was 25 years ago and I've been trying to pass on to others who suffer co-occurring disorders of depression, anxiety and addiction what was given to me.
My Background and Approach
After recovering from what some might call a "breakdown," I decided I had to do something new with my life and went back to school to become credentialed as a chemical dependency counselor (CASAC) which I did. So my foundation has been working with those who suffer from addiction and all the side effects that come with it such as the law, rehab, family dysfunction, family estrangement or co-dependence. But I began to see so many clients suffering from other mental health disorders I decided to return to school and obtain my Masters in Social Work to learn better how to treat them.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
Personally, "Everything I needed to learn I learned in a 12 step group." Sure I got a great graduate education at NYU but my foundation in the 12-steps is what got me there. And if you've been turned off or concerned about "the god thing," so was I but I'm still a member and still an Agnostic. I also became involved in the "New Recovery Movement," and was a founding board member of the NY State "Friends of Recovery," an advocacy group which educates others on changes that need to be made in terms of stigma, compassion and treating addiction as a public health problem not a criminal justice problem. But this is my second career. If you want to know about my first, come see me. I've worked for a women's DV shelter, an inpatient co-occurring disorder unit and a number of outpatient clinics as well. I also worked at the Bronx, VA helping homeless veterans obtain housing and other services. And that's Chubba in the photo my better half in our "Therapy Dog Team." She'd love to meet you too.