As a health psychologist, I recognize that navigating a medical diagnosis can be an overwhelming process. My goal is to help you to reduce stress, adjust to illness, develop effective coping methods, and implement lifestyle changes so that you can achieve a greater sense of stability, control and peace in the face of medical challenges. While we often have limitations in our ability to change our illness course, we can work together to better understand and reduce the emotional impact of illness or injury. I focus on increasing your ability to be flexible as we navigate a new path and take control over those aspects of your care that you have the ability to manage. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will find new ways to help you achieve a greater sense of wellness as you find a "new normal".

Many patients are looking for ways to get. back in touch with who they are and what is important to them in spite of whatever medical challenges they are facing. I understand the importance of being able to hone in on improving and maintaining the quality of life for each person who comes to my office regardless of illness trajectory.

In addition to my work with patients, I also work with family members to support them as they work to help a loved one through difficult medical challenges. I work to improve communication, address loss, and handle conflict in the face of illness within the family unit. We will also focus on the importance of self-care and balance for the well family member(s) as they navigate their role as a caregiver. 

While I treat patients with a range of health conditions, I have spent years assisting cancer patients and their families. I have worked with patients with a range of hematologic and oncologic diseases and have helped patients to adjust to their diagnosis, cope with treatment, and transition back to work and family responsibilities after treatment has finished. At each stage of the journey, patients face different types of challenges and often need outside support in order to cope more effectively. 

Although many patients do very well and recover from their illness, there are some for whom treatments are not successful. I have helped many patients with end-of-life concerns including anticipatory grief, anxiety, guilt, and difficulties in communicating with loved ones.