Highmark Therapists in Ballston Spa, NY

Having completed my degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 1999, I now work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a wealth of experience in individual and group psychotherapy, program development, management, and clinical supervision. My areas of interest include the use of technology in social work and implementing a strength-based approach toward recovery. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Techniques to facilitate a shift toward more realistic thinking patterns. I firmly believe in forming a collaborative partnership with my clients to guide them on their journey toward recovery. Your journey starts here.

I have over 30 years of experience working for the Jewish Board in NYC as a clinician, supervisor, director and senior director with clients ranging in age from 7-85. Additionally i have had a private practice in New Jersey since 2003. I employ an eclectic mix, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral, psychodynamic, supportive and family systems approaches, depending on the age and circumstances of the client.

I am the founder of ECS Psychological Services and serve as the clinical director. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, but currently focus my work on providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, consultation to school districts and community education programs for mental health-related issues. I provide educational workshops for teachers with a focus on recognizing, understanding, and supporting students with mental health difficulties.

I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and am experienced in addressing difficulties including: anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, child and adolescent behavioral and developmental concerns, adjustment and life transitions, challenges faced by military families, stress management, family dynamics, and addiction. I have developed an expertise in utilizing a trauma-informed and motivational approach with my clients. I am also skilled at offering play therapy and animal-assisted therapy when it is appropriate for my clients. I am passionate about providing a solution-focused framework and delivering individualized and holistic treatment to each of my clients.

My practice is based on presumption that mind can create dysfunctional, disruptive and destructive functioning patterns, but it also has an enormous potential for healing from those patterns by recognizing, resolving, modifying and integrating them. Toward that end, I use therapeutic approaches where the therapy itself is "held" by strong alliance and trust in process, that as it deepens, allows for access and application of client's unique conscious and unconscious healing potentials. The therapy is effective with depressed and/or anxious individuals, couples with problems, as well as individuals with unresolved traumas or PTSD.

I have worked with children, adolescents and adults with various emotional and mental health needs. My career began working with at-risk youth suffering from severe emotional disturbances. I later began working with children and families within their homes to secure a healthy balance of support and resources, while enhancing their sense of self. I enjoy working with individuals, families and couples. I am open to networking with any provider (i.e., teachers, primary care physicians, psychiatrists,etc.) that are involved in one's care. I believe in helping individuals identify their strengths and incorporating these strengths into their daily lives.