About Me

I received my B.S. in Psychology from Indiana University, and then completed my M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of North Texas (UNT), with clinical and research concentrations in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I subsequently completed an APA-accredited
pre-doctoral psychology internship at Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) in Hartsdale and Mt. Vernon, New York, with specialization in the treatment of complex trauma and abuse. My doctoral training concluded with a two year postdoctoral fellowship at the NYU School of Medicine, which focused on the treatment of PTSD for individuals with serious medical conditions.

Before assuming a full-time private practice, the majority of my career has been in academic medicine. I worked as the Director of Psychological Assessment and a Senior Psychologist at the World Trade Center Health Program NYU School of  Medicine Clinical Center of Excellence (WTCHP NYUSoM CCE) at NYU Langone Health in New York City for 10 years. In addition to heading psychological assessment services at the program, I provided individual and group psychotherapy to 9/11 first responders with complex medical and mental health conditions. I also functioned as a co-principal investigator for the psychotherapy process and outcome mental health research lab and provided clinical and research supervision to postdoctoral fellows, doctoral-level psychology externs, and pre- and post-graduate research assistants. 

Across these positions, I have obtained a considerable breadth and depth of clinical experiences, including individual, couples, and group therapy in inpatient and outpatient settings in Texas and New York. I have specialized training in the treatment of physical, emotional, and sexual trauma and abuse with adolescents and adults, including ACT for PTSD, TF-CBT, DBT, STAIR, and CPT. I also have expertise in treating work-related trauma exposure, and am experienced in working with first responders and emergency personnel. 

Early on, my research interests were in ACT-consistent processes (perspective-taking, mindfulness, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility) as they related to the intersectionality of identities in trauma-exposed populations. My doctoral dissertation, for example, investigated the impact of traumas with varying degrees of interpersonal betrayal on self-complexity and identity disturbances in adults.

My subsequent research has focused on advancing the knowledge and practice of effective interventions for PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. I especially enjoy thinking critically about psychotherapy process and factors that contribute to outcome improvement. Past publications have focused on the role of meaning making, therapeutic alliance, and technique in integrative psychotherapy.