Find A Psychologist in Montclair, VA.

I believe in the power of the human connection. My goal is to build a trusting relationship with you, so that you can feel comfortable telling me about your fears, hurt, pain, insecurities, hopes, dreams. We all have them and it’s these things that make us human. By understanding you as a person, together we will use the strengths that you already have to overcome your challenges.

I work collaboratively with individuals to set goals and articulate areas of growth. I use cognitive and psychodynamic approaches to help you to: Understand and process the sources of distress, and Develop coping styles and behaviors to better manage that distress. Some issues benefit not only from talk therapy but also medication. I may recommend this combined approach of both psychotherapy and medication to help lessen distress. I have working relationships with area psychiatrists making this combined approach easier for the patient.

Psychologists are scientist/practitioners. That means we are aware of the results of research. I have particularly studied research into how people can become happier. I am always studying the latest information on healing trauma and relationship problems. My clients over the years have also taught me a lot. I am a good listener and will commit myself fully to our work together. I will be present with you and bring a wonderful tool box to my work! My greatest satisfaction is to see people becoming more fulfilled, feeling good about their lives, happier!

The practice of psychology allows me to provide clients with multiple approaches to solving problems and making lasting change. In addition to psychotherapy, which allows me to work with clients over the long-term to improve their lives, I also offer psychological testing which can provide immediate feedback and concrete steps to take to make progress as quickly as possible.

The Center for Life Strategies has both a Clinical Psychologist and a Neuropsychologist on staff. We offer a full range of psychological and neuropsychological assessment services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. There are many issues that can be assessed through a psychological and / or neuropsycholgical evaluation. Some common conditions include: -Learning disabilities, ADHD and attention skills -Giftedness, intellectual abilities and academic skills -Emotional functioning -Developmental disabilities, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, language skills -Cognitive or memory problems -Dementia -Cognitive loss due to neurodegenerative disease, head injury or stroke We complete all assessments in a timely fashion and will provide...(view profile to read more)

Understanding psychological growth and deviations from healthy developmental processes is essential in helping individuals and couples improve their situation. In my work, I make use of adaptational and motivational perspectives. Using adaptational strategies, I attend to how a client experiences, appraises, reacts, and copes with life stressors. The motivational perspective, on the other hand, attends to the fulfillment of physiological, security/safety, belongingness/love, esteem, and self-actualization or spiritual needs. It is not uncommon to be unaware of our deeper needs and motives, and the conflicts that exist between our needs and the actions used to satisfy them. In helping others, I tailor my approach to the client’s goals and needs.

As a psychologist, I have been trained in applying research in a therapeutic context. I follow the research carefully to ensure that I am providing the highest level of care to my clients. I strive to be warm and empathic in my approach. Therapy is a place that should be free of judgement. Call today for a free phone consultation so we can determine if my approach to therapy will be a good fit for your needs.

An engineer friend of mine says that there are no difficult jobs; there are wrong tools for the job. I would like to help you put together a tool kit that is the best fit for you, for what you want in your life, and for the challenges that are in your way. I have trained in a range of behavioral, cognitive, and emotion focused approaches, so that we can identify and practice the strategies and coping mechanisms that fit your needs and your vision.