Personal
About me
10/30/2009 10:15
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have dedicated my career to helping children achieve their best. In my work, this often includes the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of emotional, behavioral, and learning difficulties of young children and adolescents.
I completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Indianapolis. I fulfilled the requirement for a one year internship working in a grade school that served students who were not able to succeed in Chicago Public Schools due to emotional and behavioral difficulties. I earned the award for Intern of the Year prior to completing my internship that year. Upon graduation, I returned to my native Indianapolis, where I worked as a licensed school psychologist while working to complete my licensing requirements to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
Since 2000, I have worked in a private practice setting on the north side of Indianapolis. As a mother of young children, I have a passion for the emotional, educational, and behavioral well being of children and their parents. I strongly believe that parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks we can experience in life. As our children grow, it is part of the developmental process that they encounter challenges that are necessary to overcome in order for them to succeed. Such challenges are what stretch them and produce growth. However, there are occasions in which the challenges are far enough out of our purview that seeking help can be a positive step. It is my goal to provide an objective problem solving approach to assist children and their families through those difficult times.
Research-based assessment and intervention is usually the most beneficial approach to helping assess for problems and decide on appropriate interventions. I also think it is imperative that we isolate difficulties and be aware of other factors that may be contributory to the problem. I have extensive experience in conducting full and comprehensive psychological evaluations to determine if, and to what extent, clinical symptoms exist, such as those related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mood-based Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Cognitive Ability, and Learning Disabilities.
I have experience working with children and families in individual and family sessions. I generally utilize a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach. This means that I believe that emotions and behaviors are interconnected and that each influences the other. This type of therapy is generally brief and goal-oriented and seeks to identify and change behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs that lead up to seeking help. Another aspect of my work with families is providing support for parents in establishing a working behavioral plan in the home. I have experience with children of divorce, sibling issues, separation anxiety, anger management, social skill development, overly impulsive and active children, and children with homework or other school related difficulties. I also offer support to new parents experiencing the typical yet often stressful adjustment to parenthood.
As the life of a child is encompassed by not only their parents, but also their school, I work collaboratively with several local public and private schools. This often entails my providing independent evaluations and participating in case conferences as necessary. I enjoy working closely with teachers in order to establish objective communication regarding the difficulties children are experiencing in the classroom.
Finally, I am available for in-service trainings and discussions related to childhood disorders and treatment approaches.