MY CREDENTIALS
Education and Experiences
University of Pittsburgh
Masters of Science (MS), Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Joint Degree in Clinical & Health Psychology
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Predoctoral Intern, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Behavioral Medicine/ Health Psychology Track
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Bradley Hospital COBRE Center for Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
RICBT/OneCBT
Clinical Health Psychologist
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
Additional Certifications
Professional Memberships
Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM)
American Psychological Association (APA)
My clinical focus is on providing behavioral medicine/health psychology treatment, with an emphasis on behavioral sleep medicine and chronic pain management. See more below in "About Me & My Approach."
My research focuses on the role of sleep characteristics in mental health and cardiometabolic disease risk (see "Research" for details). At present, as a clinician I remain active in research by serving as a consultant and stakeholder in funded research studies.
My Treatment Modalities include Evidence-based Therapies:
+ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Including CBT for Insomnia and CBT for Pain
+ Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
+ Pain Reprocessing Therapy
+ Integrating Mindfulness
Fun Facts: I was born and raised in the Greater Boston area and built my early career in Pittsburgh and Rhode Island. Outside of my work as a psychologist, you will often find me with my baby, toddler, three dogs, and cat!
ABOUT ME & MY APPROACH
I am a clinical psychologist specialized in behavioral medicine/health psychology. When patients share with me their struggles with mental health, sleep, pain, or other physical ailments, I first work with them to understand the psychological, social, and behavioral factors that contribute to their experience. By doing so, we develop targets for change.
Patients often describe to me that they feel stuck, that they feel as if their mind or body has betrayed them, or that they feel an immense lack of control. My approach is to help my patients understand the connections between their mind and body, and with this perspective, develop skills and strategies to improve their wellbeing.
My approach is active and present-focused. Patients most likely to benefit from therapy with me are those who are committed to actively engage during sessions and to actively apply what we discuss to their daily life outside of sessions. I am trained in several evidence-based therapies (see above), and I customize each patient's treatment based on their needs and presenting concerns.
Themes that we may likely cover in therapy include: making behavioral changes, changing your relationship with your emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations (e.g. pain, heart racing, etc.), moving towards what makes you uncomfortable rather than avoiding or fighting against it, and engaging with your values.
I have worked with patients through a range of settings including outpatient psychiatry clinics, primary care, and numerous speciality clinics (spine center, sleep centers, etc.). My treatment length with patients has ranged from 2 sessions to 2+ years. Through these experiences I have gained comfort with providing care within a scope that is most helpful for a patient depending on their goals and resources.
Overall, I am committed to creating space and openness to respect all aspects of an individual's identity and related challenges. For instance, multicultural, socioeconomic, and other personal factors such as family and social obligations that influence life.
I consider therapy to be successful if my patient leaves our work feeling equipped with the skills and inspiration to continue building a life they find worth living.