Most of my client service has been in agency settings: community mental health, substance abuse treatment centers, and public health. The most unique, and formative setting, however, was the Connecticut Department of Correction, where I worked for over 20 years before retiring as the supervisor for treatment programs in a maximum security facility.
Ironically, because so much of my work has been with people who have been mandated to treatment, I emphasize the partnership component with my clients in their treatment experience. I prefer a relatively informal, non-judgmental approach to create empathy and to set clients at ease. I incorporate humor and self-disclosure as appropriate so my client can bond with a fellow human being who has experienced and navigated many of the same life events and struggles that my client has. Rather than present as a self-perfected oracle, I’d rather guide clients to self-discovery.
My treatment focus is on mood disorders and co-occurring disorders, recovery and relapse prevention for chemical and behavioral dependencies, including co-dependency;, anger management and adjustment disorders (workplace, relationships, uncomplicated bereavement). My preferred modalities include Cognitive and DBT-informed therapy, and group therapy.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Post-graduate training and continuing education includes: Rutgers and New England Schools of Addiction Treatment (introductory and advanced), Savannah Family Institute (family therapy and Parenting with Love and Limits), EMDR, Mindfulness, 12-Step Facilitation for Dual Diagnosis, recreational therapy and person-centered treatment planning
I am married, and my wife and I enjoy a full life, that includes a strong spiritual foundation, family, dogs, travel, the arts (performer as well as spectator), vigorous outdoor activity and communal involvement. We have weathered life-threatening illness, loss and tragedy, but somehow have found the resilience to get up and move on.