Professional Areas of Concentration
Eating Disorders
Formerly the Coordinator of both the Outpatient Eating Disorders Program at NSUH (now Northwell) in Long Island, NY and the Inpatient Eating Disorders Program at Holliswood Hospital in Queens, NY, I have been treating people with eating disorders for over 35 years. At Holliswood I was hired to develop and design the Eating Disorder Program including teaching a ten week course on eating disorders. Ensuring comprehensive treatment, I consult with medical doctors, dieticians, schools and colleges as necessary. Because eating disorders can impact families and family relationships can affect the person who has an eating disorder, I assess family functioning and provide treatment or guidance if necessary. This is particularly relevant if the client is a teenager or child.
Formerly the Coordinator of both the Outpatient Eating Disorders Program at NSUH (now Northwell) in Long Island, NY and the Inpatient Eating Disorders Program at Holliswood Hospital in Queens, NY, I have been treating people with eating disorders for over 35 years. At Holliswood I was hired to develop and design the Eating Disorder Program including teaching a ten week course on eating disorders. Ensuring comprehensive treatment, I consult with medical doctors, dieticians, schools and colleges as necessary. Because eating disorders can impact families and family relationships can affect the person who has an eating disorder, I assess family functioning and provide treatment or guidance if necessary. This is particularly relevant if the client is a teenager or child.
Family and Marital Therapy
Beginning my career as an inpatient social worker at Payne Whitney Hospital, I functioned as a family therapist and supervised residents in family therapy. After completing a three-year post-masters training program in family and marital therapy, I then taught family and marital therapy at the NSUH (Northwell)l Child and Adolescent Department for four years. I have worked with families and couples my entire career in the context of eating disorders, divorce, parenting problems and marital conflict.
Beginning my career as an inpatient social worker at Payne Whitney Hospital, I functioned as a family therapist and supervised residents in family therapy. After completing a three-year post-masters training program in family and marital therapy, I then taught family and marital therapy at the NSUH (Northwell)l Child and Adolescent Department for four years. I have worked with families and couples my entire career in the context of eating disorders, divorce, parenting problems and marital conflict.
Sexual Abuse and Dissociative Identity Disorder
While helping to run the eating disorders unit at Holliswood Hospital, I noticed that a number of patients remembered traumatic events such as sexual and/or physical abuse as they gained more control over their eating disorder symptoms. For certain people, the abuse was severe and began at an early age. Some of these patients developed Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It was at this time, I began my study of trauma and dissociative disorders.
Some people who have DID come to treatment for other difficulties and are not aware they have DID. Others have become aware of it and either have not received proper treatment or are just getting into treatment. Having a therapist who is well versed in treatment of this diagnosis is important. There is a high incidence of eating disorders in people who have experienced trauma and abuse, so having expertise in both areas is helpful.
While helping to run the eating disorders unit at Holliswood Hospital, I noticed that a number of patients remembered traumatic events such as sexual and/or physical abuse as they gained more control over their eating disorder symptoms. For certain people, the abuse was severe and began at an early age. Some of these patients developed Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It was at this time, I began my study of trauma and dissociative disorders.
Some people who have DID come to treatment for other difficulties and are not aware they have DID. Others have become aware of it and either have not received proper treatment or are just getting into treatment. Having a therapist who is well versed in treatment of this diagnosis is important. There is a high incidence of eating disorders in people who have experienced trauma and abuse, so having expertise in both areas is helpful.
Trauma and PTSD
Like most New Yorkers, I was devastated by the World Trade Center attack on 9/11. As a volunteer in the days following the attack I was able to help family members who lost a loved one in one of the towers. Using a cognitive-behavioral protocol for treating PTSD designed by Dr. Charles Marmar, a prominent trauma researcher, I worked as a research clinician with utility workers who were first responders and consequently developed PTSD. Having to comply with the rigors of a research protocol allowed me to learn specific skills in treating PTSD and helping people manage their anxiety.
Like most New Yorkers, I was devastated by the World Trade Center attack on 9/11. As a volunteer in the days following the attack I was able to help family members who lost a loved one in one of the towers. Using a cognitive-behavioral protocol for treating PTSD designed by Dr. Charles Marmar, a prominent trauma researcher, I worked as a research clinician with utility workers who were first responders and consequently developed PTSD. Having to comply with the rigors of a research protocol allowed me to learn specific skills in treating PTSD and helping people manage their anxiety.
Working With People in the Arts
I play bass and sing in a band that plays R&B, country and blues. As a musician with a BS in Music Therapy, I have an understanding of the artistic process and how that relates to psychotherapy.
I play bass and sing in a band that plays R&B, country and blues. As a musician with a BS in Music Therapy, I have an understanding of the artistic process and how that relates to psychotherapy.