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WHO I AM
I am a Connecticut licensed marriage and family therapist. I have training and experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Working with couples and families was emphasized in my training and I have had the opportunity to work in diverse settings to include outpatient clinics, in-home settings and substance abuse treatment centers. I currently have the privilege of working in the community of Sandy Hook where I have been able to utilize all my skills on a regular basis.

I have a passion for welcoming anyone struggling with life challenges to seek out help and make our contact an enriching and meaningful experience. I believe that needing assistance at certain times in life is normal; seeking out and asking for help is healthy. As a mental health professional I am trained to support all family members and deepen awareness, understanding and provide support through the struggles and demands of life.

I love the diversity of the clientele I see and I can honestly say that whether working with children, adolescents or adults I enjoy the challenges and differences that each bring into therapy. I am passionate about what I do and think you will find my kind nature, honesty, sensitivity and compassion a comfort to you and your family.

I am always learning and growing my skills. Some of my more immediate goals include EMDR certification, becoming a divorce mediator and starting a certificate program in thanatology (the study of death, dying and grief) through Mount Ida College.

EDUCATION
Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT
-Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, January 2007
-Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, May 1998

MEMBERSHIP & TRAINING

-	Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CT, 2008 (License 001297)
-	Completed EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Basic Training (Part I and Part II), 2014
-	Training in Disaster Recovery, psychopharmacology, bipolar spectrum disorders, borderline personality disorder and DSM 5
-	Completed training in 2010 on treatment planning, psychotherapy with men and emotionally focused therapy
-	Clinical Member, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)
-	Project Joy, trained in the use of play to heal children affected by trauma, 2007 and 2008

MY LIFE'S JOURNEY
When I was 14 years old my parents divorced. It was a confusing time for me. Although I was encouraged to talk to someone, I felt at the time I had nothing to say. After graduating from high school, I served four years in the military stationed in Germany and England. When I returned home, I attended college. During that time I was living with my father and helped care for my grandfather. I graduated, married and started a family.

When I decided I wanted to advance my education, I reflected on jobs that gave me the most personal fulfillment. I chose to pursue a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. To help me reach this goal, I was a stay-at-home father for two years. I believe that my varied experiences help me be a better therapist.


RESOURCES
Learn more about therapy and best therapeutic practices:
Good Therapy
Psychology Today Therapists