About Amy

Welcome to my practice. While the decision to seek therapy is a deeply personal process that is by design focused on you and your needs, you will be better equipped in deciding whether to reach out with a bit information about my background, education and qualifications.

In addition to private practice, I have been working at the World Trade Center Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital since 2010. Throughout this time, I have provided assessment, individual and group psychotherapy to a hugely diverse group of rescue, recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. In this context, I have been fortunate enough to receive training and practice opportunities in a broad range of psycho-therapeutic approaches.

Over the years, I have worked extensively with individuals exposed to interpersonal violence, developmental trauma, sexual assault and other traumatic experiences. Likewise, I have treated individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, relationship issues and those that are undergoing significant life transitions. This experience has provided me with a broad skill set to offer support and solutions to individuals from many walks of life.

A bit about my personal journey…

I moved to New York City from Florida more than 2 decades ago to be a dancer, a passion that I discovered during childhood. The road that leads to now has been marked by its fair share of obstacles and unexpected turns, which have given me many opportunities to struggle, look for guidance and work toward growth. When I am working with others that are experiencing difficult times, I draw from this history to relate in deeply genuine way.

Ultimately, I found my way to graduate school as a “non-traditional,” (Read: older) student pursuing Masters degrees in Social Work and International Affairs at Columbia University in NYC. I chose these fields out of a dedication to maintain focus on the importance of the global, domestic, community and individual forces impacting people in their lives. This perspective is integrated into my approach to work with individuals as part of larger communities.

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to learn from my clients and to collaborate in helping them to secure happier, more fulfilling lives. This work continues to bring me deep satisfaction, and I hope that if you are seeking help, that you will allow me to join you in your journey.

Education:

• Columbia University School of Social Work, Master of Science in Social Work
• Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Affairs
• Hunter College of the City University of New York, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Professional Experience:

• Upper West Psychotherapy- Psychotherapist in Private Practice
• World Trade Center Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital- Assistant Director of Social Work/Clinical Supervisor/ Bilingual Psychotherapist
• Domestic and Other Violence Emergencies (DOVE) program at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital-Domestic violence and sexual assault advocate/ Social Work Intern
• Lenox Hill Hospital Adult Inpatient Psychiatry -Assistant to Inpatient Activities Director

Professional Licensure:

New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Training in Therapeutic Interventions:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training with Donald F. deGraffenried, LCSW, Trauma Recovery/ EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Intensive Training with Alan Fruzzetti, PhD, Behavioral Tech Affiliate
• Transference Focused Psychotherapy Training with Dr. Frank Yeomans, Personality Disorders Institute
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Essentials and Depression Training with Marjan Holloway, PhD, Beck Institute
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy for PTSD: Prolonged Exposure Protocol and Cognitive Processing Therapy Protocol with Marjan Holloway, PhD, Beck Institute
• Meaning Centered Psychotherapy training with William Breitbart, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression and PTSD with John C. Markowitz, MD

Languages:

Native English speaker/ conversationally fluent in Spanish

I hope to hear from you soon.