Counseling

Sessions are $250 for 50 minutes.

I work with adults and older adolescents on complex, overlapping issues involving substance use, mental health, grief, trauma and institutional stress. My work is direct, structured and pragmatic. I work particularly well with people who are intelligent, stuck, skeptical of therapy or frustrated with institutions.

Areas of Focus

Substance misuse and dependence
I have extensive experience working with alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and opioids including heroin and prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and Percocet. In recent years, I have seen marked increases in stimulant misuse (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) and high-potency marijuana. Post-legalization in New Jersey and New York, I have seen significant increases in the frequency and intensity of marijuana use and the associated motivational, emotional and behavioral consequences.

Recovery support
I have worked with people in recovery since 1996 and have deep familiarity with AA and NA. I help clients identify relapse triggers, build sustainable routines, develop healthier relationships, engage meaningfully with recovery communities and find purpose beyond abstinence.

Adolescents
I have worked with teenagers for more than twenty years across high school, college, inpatient and outpatient settings. I work only with male adolescents. I believe female adolescents are better served by female clinicians.

Education and professional development
I am a certified school social worker and former high school English and social studies teacher. I have taught at Elizabeth High School, Essex County College, the Center of Alcohol Studies and currently teach multiple courses at Rutgers University. I help young people and early-career adults navigate academic challenges, major and graduate school decisions and transitions into professional life.

Criminal justice and forensic work
I have worked with individuals who are incarcerated, on probation or parole, involved in Drug Court or facing recent arrest. I conduct evaluations for attorneys and courts and provide treatment recommendations.  My reports are thorough, independent and candid and are often given significant weight by judges and counsel.

Military and veterans
I served in the United States Army and National Guard and later returned as a Behavioral Health Officer. I have worked with service members and veterans in inpatient, outpatient, university and private practice settings. I deployed to Poland in 2019 as the lone behavioral health officer for an armored cavalry unit. I assist veterans with treatment, transition issues and access to state and county services.

Grief and loss
I work extensively with people grieving the death or impending death of loved ones. My approach integrates clinical experience with personal understanding of complex grief.

Gambling
I treat individuals with gambling disorders including sports betting and online gambling, which increased dramatically after legalization and during COVID.

Referrals
I do not treat eating disorders, self-harm behaviors or severe psychosis. I maintain a short list of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers whom I trust and refer to when appropriate.

Who I Am Not A Good Fit For

People seeking long-term nondirective therapy without behavioral change.

People who want validation without accountability.

People looking for quick letters without evaluation.

Approach

I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strong emphasis on behavior, accountability and skill development.

Issues are generally addressed in this order:

  • Immediate crises

  • Harmful behaviors

  • Strengthening positive behaviors

  • Communication skills

  • Relationship patterns

  • Healthy recreation and enjoyment

  • Emotional awareness and regulation

  • Identifying and challenging irrational thinking

  • Long-term educational and vocational goals

  • Learning how to support others appropriately

What the First Sessions Look Like

Early sessions focus on a detailed assessment of family, education, work, relationships, medical history, legal issues, psychiatric history and substance use. We identify the immediate crisis and develop a behavioral plan to stabilize the situation.

Homework is a core component of the work. This may include self-monitoring, feedback from trusted others, reading assignments or engagement with outside supports such as meetings, services or structured activities. Treatment plans are practical and adjusted as obstacles arise.