My core belief is that you know what's right for you and how to achieve the balance you're looking for in your life. Sometimes, each of us may need someone to offer insights and tools to help. Just like a personal trainer helps to strengthen the body, my job is to help strengthen the mind and spirit so that you're better equipped to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles.
I especially enjoy working with people who feel stuck, for whatever reason. I love being able to build relationships and improve communication between people.
I've been on the local news a couple of times. Here are some clips:
Interview on Channel 7 about the Effects of Hoarding Behaviors on Children 01/17/13
Live interview on Bipolar Disorder 08/02/12
Warning signs of risk of danger for family and friends of mentally ill 7/20/12
I use evidence-based practices and am client-focused. My counseling style is based on accepting people where they are, celebrating their strengths and respecting their uniqueness. Together, we will develop an appropriate goal and implement a successful plan of action.
I have a Master's of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from The State University of New York at Buffalo and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
I have many years of experience working with diverse people on many different concerns. I enjoy getting to know and working with my clients to achieve their goals. My counseling approach is honest, direct and open. I can provide you with the insights and tools you need to make the changes that are important to you. I'm privileged to watch profound positive changes happen within the individuals and families I serve.
I am trained in EMDR and have continued to strengthen my skills to work with people who have experienced unpleasant events. I've obtained certification through the NYS Office of Mental Health to treat Disruptive Behaviors in Children, like ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. My 6 years of experience in research @ UB Dept of Psychiatry was on Depression, Asthma in Children and Family Relationships. I regularly attend conferences/trainings to continue learning.
My extensive background working with children and their families began in 1993, with my career in mental health beginning in 1997. My experience includes:
Out-Patient Women's Clinic
School-Based Counseling Center
Wood, B.L., Lim, J., Miller, B.D., Zwetsch (Lloyd), T., Cheah, P., Ballow, M., Simmens, S. (2008). Testing the biobehavioral family model in pediatric depression and asthma: Pathways of effect. Family Process, 47 (1), 21-40.
Conference Posters:
(with Miller, BD, Cramer-Benjamin, D, Brush, S, Stern, T and Wood, B.) Family Emotional Climate and Relational Security Influence Emotional Wellbeing and Disease Activity in Childhood Asthma, American Family Therapy Academy Meeting, San Francisco, CA 2004.
(with Miller, BD, Cramer-Benjamin, D, Brush, S, Stern, T and Wood, B.) Positive Family Emotional Balance & Parent-Child Relational Security: Emotional & Physical Wellbeing In Pediatric Asthma, Proceedings of the Society for Research in Child Development, Atlanta, GA, 2005
