Specialties

I specialize in treating emotional and behavioral dysregulation across the lifespan, recognizing that intense emotions often lead to distress and impulsive behaviors, particularly for clients dealing with co-occurring challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, or rigidity associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. My approach is integrated and rooted in evidence-based modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Treatment focuses on teaching concrete, practical skills such as emotional identification, distress tolerance, and effective problem-solving strategies to help clients manage the "red zone" before it starts. Crucially, I view this work as highly collaborative, prioritizing parent coaching and consistent coordination with schools and other providers to ensure that skills learned in session translate into lasting resilience and function at home and in the community.

Personal Philosophy about Suicide and Suicidal Ideation

I recognize that pain is an inherent part of the human experience. When this pain becomes overwhelming, some individuals may feel that suicide is the only recourse. My core belief is that every person deserves the opportunity to build a life worth living. I am committed to helping individuals navigate away from hopelessness and towards a life of purpose by developing the essential skills needed to tolerate pain, identify future goals, and actively work toward them. Given the challenging nature of this work, I prioritize self-care, effective limit-setting, and mutual empathy within a strong, accountable clinical team.

Treatment Approach for Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm, and Depression

I have extensive training (5 years) in the assessment and treatment of suicide risk and related behaviors. My primary intervention is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), supplemented by other evidence-based interventions as appropriate. I offer clients phone coaching—brief (under 15-minute) calls between sessions—to provide in-the-moment support during crises and help generalize skills into real-life situations. I view depression as a state where an individual has lost hope in their ability to resolve overwhelming problems, making a life worth living seem unattainable. As part of comprehensive care, I conduct thorough safety assessments to determine long-term and acute risk status and continuously monitor safety-related variables.

See DBT Training for more information on my background with DBT.

Following a thorough intake assessment, I utilize evidence-based approaches for ADHD and related challenges. My approach focuses on two primary, often overlapping areas: executive functioning and emotional regulation. 

1. Executive Functioning (ADHD Focus): I help individuals build effective structure in their environment to support functioning and use targeted strategies—such as stimulus control, organizing, and prioritizing techniques—to reduce distractions. 

2. Emotional Regulation & Anger/Aggression: For clients experiencing anger and aggression, which frequently co-occur with ADHD, I implement shared interventions. These include skills training in emotional identification (like the Zones of Regulation framework), frustration tolerance, distress tolerance, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to improve impulse control and manage intense emotions. 

I assess each client’s unique needs to tailor these evidence-based principles to their specific profile, ensuring a comprehensive approach that addresses both inattention/impulsivity and emotional reactivity.

In my clinical practice, I utilize evidence-based approaches—including the PEERS Program and Social Thinking curricula, such as Superflex—to provide social skills training for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Disorder. My approach focuses on developing concrete, practical skills through didactic instruction and experiential practice, allowing participants to navigate social environments with confidence. I provide intensive instruction in core areas such as conversation skills, assertive communication, perspective-taking, and conflict management to help youth respond to bullying, manage social rumors, and build lasting friendships.

While I am developing a growing set of skills regarding social skills training, I would not consider myself an expert quite yet.