Modalities and Influences
Dramatic Play and Improv
As a longtime improvisor, actor, comedian and teaching artist, I have witnessed and experienced first-hand the impact of theatre and dramatic play on building confidence, joy, freedom and openness. Whether through role-play, using characters to give voice to inner emotions, exploring past events through monologues and scenes, drama and theatre have the power to heal and allow for a safer way to examine the psyche. LGBTQIA+ clients have explored gender identity, expression, and sexual identity through dramatic play, in a loving and safe space. I believe that it is extremely important to experience joy, and to remember that feeling freedom to express one's deepest and most authentic self is a radical form of healing. We need to give ourselves permission to have fun, to be silly, and to break the rules!!! Kids are born instinctively knowing how to play, be present, and use their imaginations. Often adults have unlearned this natural ability, and I love to bring this sense of fun and play into sessions, when beneficial.
Mindfulness: ACT and REBT
An important technique in psychotherapy is mindfulness. Mindfulness is evident and foundational to many psychotherapeutic modalities that have developed over the years. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is one modality that utilizes the concepts of mindfulness. Presence and acceptance of all emotions that arise, without trying to control or deny them, is an important element to many treatment modalities. I have witnessed the power of mindfulness in opening up an allowance for emotions to arise and be felt fully, which is powerful in the process of uncovering and healing psychic wounds, identify irrational beliefs and uncover negative thought patterns. I have learned from many teachers, including Pema Chodron, John Kabat-Zin and Tich Nacht Han, the importance of unconditional acceptance of oneself, others, and our present conditions.
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CBT
Clients who have battled depression and anxiety have especially benefited from the structured, solution-focused approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This modality provides a structure to examining how certain automatic and irrational thought patterns lead to challenging emotions and maladaptive behaviors. CBT offers a method for recording, analyzing, and reframing these thoughts to reduce depression and anxiety and any thought patterns that are no longer serving one's peace and contentment.
My Approach & Experience
My approach is strength-based, and I adapt to the unique needs of each client. I am a facilitator, and want to ignite and bring forth a sense of agency and empowerment in the people I have the privilege of meeting. I work collaboratively with kids, teens, couples, and individual adults to discover what might be getting in the way of them living their fullest, most ignited and fulfilling life. I adapt the therapeutic modalities I utilized to the needs of those I am working with, depending on what can best be utilized to unlock balance, peace and joy! One person may need only a few sessions, and benefit from a solution-focused therapeutic container, while another might value a longer-term psychotherapeutic relationship.
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I received a Master's in Social Work (MSW) from the NYU Silver School of Social Work, and a B.A. in Communications (Theatre & Music Theatre Major) from Northwestern University. I have been a professional actor, teaching artist and improvisor for 14 years, and incorporate drama, theatre and comedy in my work as a therapist and social worker. In addition to operating a private practice and serving as an LCSW in non-profits in CA and NY, I continue to be a professional actor around the country, dance salsa and hip hop, and sing in the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir! (I recently played Grandma Georgina in the Broadway National Tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!) For full acting website, click below:
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