M.A. Social Work, 1981. University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
M.A. Psychology, 1979. Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
B.A. Philosophy, 1977. St. Mary's College, Winona, Minnesota

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Minnesota, #7998)

National Association of Social Workers

Academy of Certified Social Workers

Minnesota Social Service Association

While my background involved over 35 years of successful work treating adults and late teens in individual, group, marital, and family therapy, I now work exclusively by video format on psychological factors affecting the individual’s efforts to achieve weight loss and weight management. My early training exposed me to a combination of psychodynamic, phenomenological, family systems and strategic principles. Treatment methods have been influenced by short-term dynamic, strategic, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral models, in addition to psychoeducational and symptom-management approaches. I tend to think phenomenologically, meaning that I de-emphasize theoretical thinking in favor of an emphasis on discovery, client-defined issues, and the application of techniques congruent with the web [or network] of meaning that characterizes the client’s experience. Now, I provide a carefully structured individualized counseling program spanning 5-10 sessions designed to integrate the client’s understanding of how emotional and psychological issues are associated with weight gain and successful weight management.

Some of the psychological factors to which we will attend: anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, stress, interpersonal conflicts, anger, boredom, loneliness, compulsive/addictive behavior, work and family pressures. In addition, careful analysis of your overall health, and any health problems you are experiencing, will be taken into consideration. As needed and appropriate, I will work collaboratively with your physicians and any other health professionals with whom you are involved.

Before starting private practice in 2006, I held the following positions:

Licensed Therapist / Senior Therapist

Allina Health Systems / United Behavioral Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 1993 to 1999

Senior Psychiatric Social Worker

Hennepin County Mental Health Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 1985 to 1993

Clinical Social Worker

Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, Anoka, Minnesota. 1981 to 1985

Insurance plans for which I am a credentialed, in-network provider: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, Medicaid (MA), TriCare, UCare, UnitedHealthcare (and UHC associated plans such as Optum, UMR, BIND). Some plans allow for out-of-network coverage so if you have questions, please contact me. For those not covered by insurance, or for those who do not wish to use their insurance benefits, I offer a negotiated fee schedule.