Offering couples therapy intensives in Amherst, Massachusetts
Personally Speaking
I have practiced as a family therapist and psychologist for 35+ years – and I’m still learning.
Every person I’ve had the honor of working with has taught me something about how to be more human, more authentic, and more compassionate. And I’m very grateful.
We all struggle to bring our best selves to our relationships. So although I am steeped in evidence-based practices including Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman Method, my work is more than science-based.
Couples therapy is sacred work for me.
I am being entrusted with a couple’s hopes to love and be loved as best they can, and I carry that responsibility with deep respect.
I love to dance, and my favorite is the Argentine Tango. Learning to dance the tango has provided some of my best training as a therapist.
In order to dance skillfully, partners need to attune to each other, negotiate, balance and connect. They need to be flexible and responsive as they move together, as they easily lead or follow the other’s lead. When they are overly focused on their own steps, or concentrating too hard to please their partner, the dance feels forced and awkward.
I bring the essence of tango into my work with couples. Life impacts couples, and brings distress and instability into their relationship. My job is to observe where their dance is not working, and how they’ve become disconnected, as they work in front of me.
- How do they share the lead or follow?
- What do they need to do or feel to approach the pleasure of moving together differently?
- How can I help bring ease into a relationship so that the couple can relax into a secure embrace and enjoy the music of their relationship?
I look forward to the opportunity to provide a secure and safe place where couples learn how to become responsive, attuned and deeply connected with each other.
Clinical Experience
Private Practice, Amherst, MA (ongoing).
Clinician, ServiceNet Outpatient Behavioral Health Center, Amherst, MA (2010-2016).
Director, Family Therapy Team, Psychological Services Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (1990-1993).
Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (1989-1993).
Co-Director, Psychological Services Center – Family Therapy Training Team.
Academic Experience
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Psychology Department, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (2012-2016).
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (2007- 2012).
FACULTY, Department of Counseling and Family Therapy, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (1991-2012).
Department of Applied Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Program & Counseling Psychology Program, Antioch/New England Graduate School, Keene, NH (1991 – 1992, & 1995).
Presentations (selected)
Supervision Mentoring: Becoming an Effective Supervisor. Massachusetts Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Conference, Wellesley College, Wellesley MA, March 2015
Teaching “Not-Knowing.” Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education Meeting, Amherst College, Amherst, MA, April 2009.
Comparing American and Chinese Child Rearing Practices. Visiting Scholar Speech, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, PRC, November, 1999.
International Adoption: Family-making in a Multicultural Context. American Family Therapy Academy Meeting, Minneapolis, June 21, 1997.
An Approach to Teaching the DSM. American Family Therapy Academy Meeting, Minneapolis, June, 1997.
Using the Reflecting Team Model in Supervision. Saint Joseph College Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisors’ Workshop, West Hartford, CT, Nov. 30, 1995.
Including the Family’s Voice in Supervision of In-home Family Therapy. New England Regional Family-based Services Conference, Falmouth, Massachusetts, October 1995.
Pragmatics of Narrative Supervision. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Meeting, Chicago, November 1994.
Evoking Voice: The Use of Stories in Treatment. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Meeting, Miami, October 1992.
Think Globally, Act Systemically: Helping Refugee Families Heal. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Meeting, Miami, October 1992.
