What life events or challenges that you’ve experienced (could be minor, could be major) – whether you’ve experienced them directly or via someone close to you, have had any type of impact on your desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy?

I had always a passion to help people. That is initially why I first became a lawyer. However, as I practiced law I became more interested in asking why people had contact with the Criminal Justice system and what we could do to prevent it from happening. I also represented children in child custody disputes and I was witnessing all the harm that the justice system was doing by perpetuating the conflict. That was my impetus for pursuing my degree in psychology.  

How did those events impact you emotionally/morally? How, if at all did those events impact the way you view how our current system teaches us to treat patients with mental health challenges?

I believe that you need to take a holistic approach to help individuals. You need to look at the context in which the behavior is occurring and plan the approach accordingly. You also need to go beyond the symptom and seek to understand and then treat the patient accordingly. We need to stop trying to put patients in neat classifications.

When and why did you decide to actually focus on practicing Integrative Psychotherapy, specifically, and how was your decision shaped by the experiences above?

After I worked at a correctional facility as the Supervising Psychologist, I joined an Integrative Practice where I met Dr. Michael A. Gruttadauria, who introduced to me the world of Integrative Psychology. It completely changed my approach to how we treated patients. I became an active student in learning all about the importance of collaboration with other professionals in treating patients.

What methods or practices do you utilize to help individuals get/feel better?

I use an eclectic evidence-based approach. I believe that a comprehensive assessment of the behaviors you are seeking to treat should drive your treatment approach. I like to have as many tools in my offerings to treat the patient. This could include cognitive behavior therapy, Dialectical Behavior therapy, Group Work, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, and others. 

How did people react when you share this Integrative/Holistic approach with them – whether it be patients or other doctors?

Most patients are receptive and are hopeful. Some traditional doctors are skeptical, but that is where my effective advocacy skills come in.