All artwork by Rob Vichnis

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience, specializing in child, adolescent and family therapy. In addition, I see adults individually, couples and lead groups. In my work I combine talk therapy, play therapy, creativity and mind-body integration. I bring an anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-oppression lens. My private practice is in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Before opening my practice, I worked in a number of settings including mental health agencies serving adults and children, school based educational and mental health programs, and child welfare. I have gained extensive experience working with a wide variety of clients in diverse areas of focus, including substance abuse, adult mental health, working with children ages 0-7, working with tweens/adolescents and Project Liberty, for individuals and families impacted by 911. I co-created, and developed Parent University, a program to train and coach parents. For many years I have provided clinical supervision to both new and experienced social workers.

I have created and led workshops in schools for teachers on issues, including cultural diversity and adaptive/maladaptive coping mechanisms, and trainings for mental health staff on modalities such as play therapy, group work and leading multi-family groups. Other trainings for professionals include working with adoptive families.

In addition to being a licensed clinical social worker (Hunter College), I also have a Masters degree in Fine Arts (Indiana University). I have always loved art, looking at it and making it. There is a freedom and expressiveness, as well as a beautiful sense of connection and power that happens as we create. Anything becomes possible. I bring creativity to the work I do with clients using art making as a form of self-expression and communication, helping to see things from new perspectives and re-envisioning our lives. 

I’m also a 5th degree Black Belt in the Japanese martial art, Aikido, which I’ve been practicing for over 30 years, teaching as well. Aikido literally translates as “The Way of Harmony.” It is powerful and effective, and beautiful to watch. It looks like dance in its circular, flowing movements. What drew me to Aikido was its philosophy of harmony. It teaches to build connection with others, to move past difference towards unity. This requires self-awareness. How we connect to ourselves impacts how we connect to others. In my practice I teach mindful ways to bring these concepts into our interactions and relationships.

Feel free to contact me now. We can set up a call to talk about what brings you to therapy and to see if we are a good fit to work together.