Psychotherapy
Therapeutic Approach:
I provide individual therapy for adults, adolescents and pre-adolescents.
I tailor my treatment to your personal needs and preferences so that it will be both comfortable and effective.
I use a combination of active approaches from my experience, certifications and training in:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindful Eating
Stress Management, Relaxation, and Self-Soothing
Biofeedback
Clinical Hypnosis
Healthy Lifestyle Coaching
My Style
My style is highly interactive and focused on making sure you gain something of value from every individual or group session
we share.
I will listen compassionately and ask questions to better understand your patterns, beliefs, and reactions.
We will always approach your experiences with non-judgmental acceptance while developing a plan of action and goals that will move you forward.
Working With Me
Working with me, you'll learn how to observe your experiences with a sense of curiosity, acceptance and self-compassion.
You'll soon be able to describe your thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behavioral urges without criticizing yourself or using problematic behaviors to escape and avoid.
If your struggles are in the realm of eating, you'll learn to fully enjoy pleasurable sensations in your mouth and to detect signals of hunger and fullness. Such mindful eating will make it easier to maintain a healthy weight and a positive relationship with food and your body.
Specializations and Areas of Treatment:
I am a specialist in Eating Disorders, Healthy Weight Loss, and Obesity. I am continually improving my knowledge and skills through my involvement in the National Eating Disorders Association, the Binge Eating Disorder Association, and The Obesity Society. I treat:
Binge eating
Compulsive eating
Emotional eating
Bulimia
Excessive exercise
Anorexia
Early intervention with eating and body issues in young people
Medical conditions or medications that impair weight management (e.g. steroids, PCOS, thyroid, psych meds., etc.)
Pregnancy weight gain and body concerns
Bias and discrimination against people seen as overweight or obese
Bariatric surgery preparation and lifestyle change
Parenting Guidance to improve parents’ effectiveness when a child exhibits disordered eating or a medical problem related to weight.
Other Specialty Areas
Anxiety
Social Anxiety/Fear of embarrassment
Sleep difficulties
Anxiety (worry, panic attacks, OCD, phobias)
Addiction
Alcohol abuse or dependence
Substance abuse or dependence
Shopping/Spending/Gambling
Other Common Areas
Depression (major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Procrastination / Disorganization / ADHD/ADD
Chronic illness / Chronic pain
Relationship issues/Communication in marriage and close relationships
Divorce (contemplating, coping with, growing from, sharing custody)
Parenting challenges
Job Stress / Career transitions
Anger
Weight Loss Coaching
Weight Loss Coaching
As an expert who has worked in the weight-management field for over 25 years, I understand the problem of weight regain and I use strategies aimed at keeping weight off for the long term. It is crucial to avoid strict diets and feelings of deprivation, and to practice self-compassion while remaining committed to one’s health.
My clients have been very successful using the approach to weight management that I have honed over my 25 years treating people with either eating disorders, obesity or both.
As someone who was overweight as a child and was put on Weight Watchers in 6th grade, I have also used this approach personally since 1995. I have been able to maintain a healthy weight without obsessive thinking, self-criticism or dieting. I call it Joyful, Aware Self Care
Joyful, Aware Self Care will enable you to:
- Get more enjoyment from each bite of food
- Indulge in foods that give you JOY
- Avoid extreme hunger
- Move beyond urges to overeat
- Nurture and fuel your body with a variety of delicious foods
- Soothe and comfort yourself without turning to food
- Understand why you’re eating when not hungry (and how to stop doing it!)
- Take care of your body without suffering through exercises you hate
- Use your body’s natural wisdom to make you successful
- Stop hating your body and start appreciating it
- Lose fat and the maintain your leaner body
Coaching combined with Psychotherapy
Weight-loss coaching is easily incorporated as part of more comprehensive Psychotherapy. It is usually conducted via Teletherapy videoconferencing. It may involve any other issues, including binge eating, stress eating, depression, anxiety, anger, addictions, procrastination, and relationship concerns.
Coaching with Education
Weight Coaching by a qualified psychologist is often covered by insurance even in the absence of an eating disorder or other mental illness. Coaching will often include education, experiences, and assigned practice in behavioral and psychological topics described in my website section on Courses.
This includes courses on: Mindful Eating, Body Image, and Eating-Related DBT Skills.
Skills practice is often facilitated by in-session worksheets and homework using the Client Handouts found on my website.
Weight Loss Surgery Psychological Assessments
Weight-loss Surgery Psychological Assessments
Insurance companies usually require a specific type of psychological assessment to be completed and reported in writing by a qualified psychologist before they will agree to pay for weight-loss surgery.
I have conducted over 400 bariatric surgery evaluations and would be pleased to complete yours.
The bariatric surgery psychological assessment takes 45 minutes and is an open interview, not a threatening interrogation.
The goal is to make sure that you:
(1) understand the physiological changes and potential complications associated with the procedure—such as gastric bypass surgery or gastric sleeve
(2) have demonstrated your ability to make some of the lifestyle changes required for a safe and effective outcome
(3) have a plan and commitment to modify any long-standing behavior patterns (such as binge eating or cigarette smoking) that might interfere with safety or successful weight loss. If needed, I will help you develop a plan that can help you become better prepared.
After your evaluation, I will write and send a letter to your surgeon’s office, usually within 48 hours, and they will include a copy of this letter in their submission to the insurance company.
Please contact me for the current fee and to make an appointment for the evaluation.
Pre and Post Bariatric Surgery Lifestyle Coaching for Long-Term Success
Many people who undergo bariatric surgery without first learning skills to avoid detrimental habits of overeating, mindless eating and emotional eating end up regaining their weight.
I work with people at every stage of bariatric surgery—from contemplating having surgery to 10-years post op, and everything in between
I help you permanently change your lifestyle so that you can effectively and safely use the tool that bariatric surgery provides and keep your weight off!
I also teach you how to maximize enjoyment from small portions of food so that you do not have to live a life of deprivation.
Bariatric Lifestyle Coaching can be done via telephone as described on Weight-Loss Coaching of this website or in person in the context of face-to-face Psychotherapy
Child and Teen Weight Management
Child and Teen Weight Management
My weight management approach for youth and teens has been shaped by my 8 years as Founding Director of the award winning Healthy LIFE Pediatric Weight management program at Barnabas Health. I leveraged that experience and more than 20 years as a therapist to create non-diet and mindful eating weight loss protocols for young people.
I have learned what WORKS to help kids and teens manage their weight in healthy ways.
Kids and teens usually come to me because they are more prone to weight gain then their peers.
They may or may not be eating significantly more than their peers.
They may or may not be exercising/moving less than their peers.
They may or may not have a history or medical background that caused significant weight gain at one time (e.g, broken leg or lyme disease) or makes weight loss more difficult chronically (e.g., polycystic ovarian syndrome or certain medications).
Many young clients when told they have an appointment with someone to help them eat healthier and/or lose weight fear I will ask them to give up their favorite foods or do exercises they hate.
I always reassure kids and teens that my approach does not require these things.
The hundreds of kids and teens I work with learn to:
- Indulge mindfully and slowly savor foods that give them JOY
- Naturally reduce portions by getting more enjoyment from each bite of food and noticing fullness
- Nurture and fuel their body with a variety of delicious foods
- Balance enjoyment and nutrition when making food choices
- Consider whether a food is "worth it" to them
- Listen to their body's signals about when to start eating and when to stop
- Differentiate "stomach hunger" (a biological need to eat) from "mouth hunger" (which is always seeking sensation) or “habits”, “boredom”, and “emotions”
- Entertain and soothe themselves without turning to food
- Set themselves up for success in challenging situations
- Move their body on a regular basis
- Fit enjoyable exercise into a busy schedule
- Gain confidence in their ability to manage their weight for the rest of their lives
- Avoid a lifetime of dieting or disordered eating
- Develop accepting attitude towards their body to improve or prevent negative body image
Mindful Weight Loss for Youth (ages 4-12) usually involves parents in the assessment phase and at least some of the educational sessions.
Mindful Weight Loss for Teens (ages 13-18) can include parents in some sessions or can be done one-to-one, whichever the teen prefers.
Fees and insurance are similar to those for psychotherapy.
Time in treatment varies but usually lasts between 5-15 sessions.
Psychotherapy:
I provide individual therapy for adults, adolescents and pre-adolescents.
I tailor my treatment to your personal needs and preferences so that it will be both comfortable and effective.
I use a combination of active approaches from my experience, certifications and training in:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Mindful Eating
Stress Management and Relaxation
Biofeedback
Clinical Hypnosis
Healthy Lifestyle Coaching
My Style
My style is highly interactive and focused on making sure you gain something of value from every individual or group session
we share.
I will listen compassionately and ask questions to better understand your patterns, beliefs, and reactions.
We will always approach your experiences with non-judgmental acceptance while developing a plan of action and goals that will move you forward.
Working With Me
Working with me, you'll learn how to observe your experiences with a sense of curiosity, acceptance and self-compassion.
You'll soon be able to describe your thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behavioral urges without criticizing yourself or using problematic behaviors to escape and avoid.
If your struggles are in the realm of eating, you'll learn to fully enjoy pleasurable sensations in your mouth and to detect signals of hunger and fullness. Such mindful eating will make it easier to maintain a healthy weight and a positive relationship with food and your body.
Specializations and Areas of Treatment:
I am a specialist in Eating Disorders, Healthy Weight Loss, and Obesity. I am continually improving my knowledge and skills through my involvement in the National Eating Disorders Association, the Binge Eating Disorder Association, and The Obesity Society.
I treat:
Binge eating
Compulsive eating
Emotional eating
Bulimia
Excessive exercise
Anorexia
Early intervention with eating and body issues in young people
Medical conditions or medications that impair weight management (e.g. steroids, PCOS, thyroid, psych meds., etc.)
Pregnancy weight gain and body concerns
Bias and discrimination against people seen as overweight or obese
Bariatric surgery preparation and lifestyle change
Parenting Guidance to improve parents’ effectiveness when a child exhibits disordered eating or a medical problem related to weight.
Other Specialty Areas
Anxiety
Social Anxiety/Fear of embarrassment
Sleep difficulties
Anxiety (worry, panic attacks, OCD, phobias)
Addiction
Alcohol abuse or dependence
Substance abuse or dependence
Shopping/Spending/Gambling
Other Common Areas
Depression (major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Procrastination / Disorganization / ADHD/ADD
Chronic illness / Chronic pain
Relationship issues/Communication in marriage and close relationships
Divorce (contemplating, coping with, growing from, sharing custody)
Parenting challenges
Job Stress / Career transitions
Anger
Weight Loss Coaching
As an expert who has worked in the weight-management field for over 25 years, I understand the problem of weight regain and I use strategies aimed at keeping weight off for the long term. It is crucial to avoid strict diets and feelings of deprivation, and to practice self-compassion while remaining committed to one’s health.
My clients have been very successful using the approach to weight management that I have honed over my 25 years treating people with either eating disorders, obesity or both.
As someone who was overweight as a child and was put on Weight Watchers in 6th grade, I have also used this approach personally since 1995. I have been able to maintain a healthy weight without obsessive thinking, self-criticism or dieting. I call it Joyful, Aware Self Care
Joyful, Aware Self Care will enable you to:
- Get more enjoyment from each bite of food
- Indulge in foods that give you JOY
- Avoid extreme hunger
- Move beyond urges to overeat
- Nurture and fuel your body with a variety of delicious foods
- Soothe and comfort yourself without turning to food
- Understand why you’re eating when not hungry (and how to stop doing it!)
- Take care of your body without suffering through exercises you hate
- Use your body’s natural wisdom to make you successful
- Stop hating your body and start appreciating it
- Lose fat and the maintain your leaner body
Coaching combined with Psychotherapy
Weight-loss coaching is easily incorporated as part of more comprehensive Psychotherapy. It is usually conducted via Teletherapy videoconferencing. It may involve any other issues, including binge eating, stress eating, depression, anxiety, anger, addictions, procrastination, and relationship concerns.
Coaching with Education
Weight Coaching by a qualified psychologist is often covered by insurance even in the absence of an eating disorder or other mental illness. Coaching will often include education, experiences, and assigned practice in behavioral and psychological topics described in my website section on Courses.
This includes courses on: Mindful Eating, Body Image, and Eating-Related DBT Skills.
Skills practice is often facilitated by in-session worksheets and homework using the Client Handouts found on my website.
Weight-loss Surgery Psychological Assessments
Insurance companies usually require a specific type of psychological assessment to be completed and reported in writing by a qualified psychologist before they will agree to pay for weight-loss surgery.
I have conducted over 400 bariatric surgery evaluations and would be pleased to complete yours.
The bariatric surgery psychological assessment takes 45 minutes and is an open interview, not a threatening interrogation.
The goal is to make sure that you:
Understand the physiological changes and potential complications associated with the procedure you are getting, such as gastric bypass surgery or gastric sleeve
Have demonstrated your ability to make some of the lifestyle changes required for a safe and effective outcome, and
Have a commitment and plan in place to modify any long-standing behavior patterns (such as binge eating or cigarette smoking) that might interfere with safety or successful weight loss. If needed, I will help you develop a plan that can help you become better prepared.
After your evaluation, I will write and send a letter to your surgeon’s office, usually within 48 hours, and they will include a copy of this letter in their submission to the insurance company.
Please contact me for the current fee and to make an appointment for the evaluation.
Pre and Post Bariatric Surgery Lifestyle Coaching for Long-Term Success
Many people who undergo bariatric surgery without first learning skills to avoid longstanding habits of overeating, mindless eating and emotional eating end up regaining their weight.
I work with people at every stage of bariatric surgery—from contemplating surgery to resuming healthy habits many years after surgery.
I help you permanently change your lifestyle so that you can effectively and safely use the tool that bariatric surgery provides and keep your weight off!
I also teach you how to maximize enjoyment from small portions of food so that you do not have to live a life of deprivation.
Bariatric Lifestyle Coaching can be done via telephone or in person in the context of face-to-face Psychotherapy
Child and Teen Weight Management
My weight management approach for youth and teens has been shaped by my 8 years as Founding Director of the award winning Healthy LIFE Pediatric Weight management program at Barnabas Health. I leveraged that experience and more than 20 years as a therapist to create non-diet and mindful eating weight loss protocols for young people.
I have learned what WORKS to help kids and teens manage their weight in healthy ways.
Kids and teens usually come to me because they are more prone to weight gain then their peers.
They may or may not be eating significantly more than their peers.
They may or may not be exercising/moving less than their peers.
They may or may not have a history or medical background that caused significant weight gain at one time (e.g, broken leg or lyme disease) or makes weight loss more difficult chronically (e.g., polycystic ovarian syndrome or certain medications).
Many young clients who are told by parents they have an appointment with someone to help them eat healthier and/or lose weight fear that I will ask them to give up their favorite foods or do exercises they hate.
I always reassure kids and teens that my approach does not require these things.
The hundreds of kids and teens I work with learn to:
- Indulge mindfully and slowly savor foods that give them JOY
- Naturally reduce portions by getting more enjoyment from each bite of food and noticing fullness
- Nurture and fuel their body with a variety of delicious foods
- Balance enjoyment and nutrition when making food choices
- Consider whether a food is "worth it" to them
- Listen to their body's signals about when to start eating and when to stop
- Differentiate "stomach hunger" (a biological need to eat) from "mouth hunger" (which is always seeking sensation) or “habits”, “boredom”, and “emotions”
- Entertain and soothe themselves without turning to food
- Set themselves up for success in challenging situations
- Move their body on a regular basis
- Fit enjoyable exercise into a busy schedule
- Gain confidence in their ability to manage their weight for the rest of their lives
- Avoid a lifetime of dieting or disordered eating
- Develop accepting attitude towards their body to improve or prevent negative body image
Mindful Weight Loss for Youth (ages 4-12) usually involves parents in the assessment phase and at least some of the educational sessions.
Mindful Weight Loss for Teens (ages 13-18) can include parents in some sessions or can be done one-to-one, whichever the teen prefers.
Fees and insurance are similar to those for psychotherapy.
Time in treatment varies but usually lasts between 5-15 sessions.