I am a Clinician and practitioner of Comprehensive Resource Model. My areas of expertise are physical and sexual abuse, self esteem building, stress responses from the past, grief, loss, recovery and performance anxiety.

I am a Graduate of Adelphi University, licensed and certified in the state of New York, I have practiced in varied work environments and have a wealth of knowledge from working in mental health/substance abuse clinics, hospitals, prisons, employment and training facilities as well as corporate America.

My treatment modality is comprised of Comprehensive Resourcing as well as Internal Family Systems. I firmly believe in Attuned listening and empowerment of the client.

 I use this eclectic methodology in my practice to heal life long blocks from the past to reprocess disturbing negative thoughts and experiences. At the end of treatment the client will be able to integrate their past experiences and  feel an awakening of their creativity and spirituality resulting in hope and a better outlook .

I  relocated to North Carolina in 2016. However, I have maintained my LCSW-R license in NY State and thereby am able to provide distance sessions using the HIPAA compliant, encrypted,  video platform ZOOM. The software for this is free to clients.  I have had numerous successful CRM sessions with individuals in this manner and it has helped me to provide continuity in the therapy across the miles. Even when traveling I am usually able to provide sessions and keep to the regular schedule with clients. I have also been able to use Zoom to reach out to those in other countries where finding a CRM therapist is difficult.

I was born in Turkey but have spent the majority of my life in the U.S. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and  Master of Social Work degree also from Syracuse University.

My experience in the field ranges from work  on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit; preventive services for children at risk of foster placement; case-coordination  for children in therapeutic foster care; outpatient psychotherapy with adults, youths, children, and couples in two group practice settings; private practice; and, day treatment therapy in a school setting.

My post masters’ training includes, but is not limited to:

• EMDR Therapy  levels I and II through the EMDR Institute;
• Treatment of Dissociative Disorders in Adults and, Treatment of Dissociative Disorders in Children and Adolescents through the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation;
• Incorporating EMDR Therapy in treating persons having experienced trauma at pre-verbal stages – withSandra Paulsen, PhD.
• Brain Spotting Phases I and II; and, Resource Brainspotting with  Attachment and Dissociation – with Lisa Schwarz. (2012)
• The Comprehensive Resource Model for the Treatment of Complex Trauma – Lisa Schwarz, M.Ed.
• CRM Advanced Training in Core Self – Lisa Schwarz
• Certification in Colin Ross’ Trauma Model Therapy

I am provisionally certified in CRM to provide consultation and personal work for therapists who are seeking certification as CRM providers themselves.

I have no doubt that my calling in life is to foster healing  in people who feel broken in heart  and soul.  I also see myself as being a fellow sharing this particular stretch of time and space on this  planet with you.  My mission is to give generously from what I have been given as we walk a little way together when our paths meet in the divinely choreographed dance of Life.

Specialties:

Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, PTSD, Relationships, Stress, Trauma, Dissociation

Anxiety/stress management, developmental and complex trauma, loss and attachment/relationship issues, PTSD, career/school related concerns, and eating challenges.

When emotions stir within, causing anxiety, depression, or distress in relationships, life can feel overwhelming. I view these shifts as gifts, like an indicator light your higher Self is yearning for a personal growth spurt. These feelings can be an opportunity to free yourself from the experiences that hold you back from living your best life. My ideal client is ready to explore their internal world to make the changes needed to create a positive transformation. I am a body-based trauma-informed therapist with a master’s degree in dance/movement therapy. I use the creative process and visualization as a tool for exploration.

The imagination can bypass the parts of the brain that keep us stuck in unwanted behaviors and can more easily access the parts that hold the answers. By engaging the mind and body with resources that calm the central nervous system, we have greater access to the pain-filled memories impeding us from reaching our full potential and allow insight to surface.

After 20 years of working as a therapist, I took a deep dive into my own therapeutic process and wrote a book about the experience – a memoir to be published soon. My goal is to be your guide, a doula of sorts, to help birth the person you have always wanted to become.

I am a writer and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in private practice in Hudson Valley, New York. I began my career working in psychiatric inpatient and day treatment programs in the South Bronx NY, serving children, adolescents and adults. In 2004 I developed Damselfly Center for Autism Spectrum disorders where I created the social skills program, Amazing Kids Amazing Families, integrating the creative arts therapies. I became certified in RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), a parent coaching program for families with autism.

In 2016 I shifted my focus to working primarily with adult women and survivors of childhood abuse. I spent the next several years in her own therapy using CRM (Comprehensive Resource Model) and became trained in CRM. I integrate CRM to give clients a body-based spiritual experience in therapy. Call or email to see if we are a good fit.