Hi, my name is Athena!
I am master’s level social worker with experience working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults, and families.
A video for you to learn about Athena
I believe individuals are the experts of their lives and as a therapist my role is to provide support and collaboration in order for client’s to reach their ultimate goals.
Areas I specialize:
• Relationship Issues
• Family dynamics
• Self Esteem
• Trauma
• Life events
• Stress and Anxiety
• Anger management and emotional regulation
• Coping Skills
• Social Skills
Child Therapy
I have experience working with children as young as 4 years old. Sometimes children and their parents want support as they navigate life during or after a divorce. Other times children may need practice on how to identify feelings and communicate needs, learn how to regulate emotions, and gain an understanding of how to set healthy boundaries with friends and peers.
Teen Therapy
I understand teens are dealing with big life decisions at a young age and this can be overwhelming. I appreciate how tough it can be when deciding where to attend college and take on student loans, moving away from home for the first time, or deciding to stay home while friends leave. Many of the teens I work with attend small schools and this can have it’s own set of challenges. I have also noticed an increase of social anxiety is the teens I work with since returning to school.
Marriage Therapy
As a therapist trained in the Gottman Method for couples therapy, I utilize research when deciding on interventions. It is important to look equally at the individual as well as the couple to understand the various parts of a relationship in order to learn which interventions to use.
Athena offers two tips for couples in counseling
A Bit About Me:
Why I Love Being A Therapist: I truly love being a therapist. As a therapist I have the privilege to join with people for a period of time in order to support their goals. I enjoy supporting my clients on their journey of self-discovery as they learn new healthy coping skills and break free from unhelpful patterns.
Why I Help with Children, Teens, and Couples in Therapy: Regardless of age each person and family has a unique story. As a therapist it is important to find interventions that support the individual and client and meet them where they are.
My Favorite Quote: Tell me what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life. ~ Mary Oliver
This quote reminds me it is good to re-evaluate my wants and needs throughout a lifetime. The author’s words help me to remember this is my own unique life and I have a say on how I will live it.
My Favorite Thing To Do On The Weekend: My family and I enjoy spending time at the beach. The sound of the waves and swimming in the ocean relax my mind and body. Then, during the cooler seasons it’s nice to take walks on the beach and look for shells and rocks. Being out in nature no matter what the season allows me to take a deep breath and to reflect.
Favorite Anxiety Coping Skill: When I feel overwhelmed I remind myself to stop and breathe. This helps me slow down and refocus on the task at hand and check in with myself.
One Fun Fact About Me: Before becoming a therapist I co-founded a company with a mission to fund arts education for children, adolescents, and teens that would otherwise not have the opportunity. I am a believer that arts programs support critical thinking skills, which support students throughout their academics.
My Education:
I am educated at Fordham University, I bring my knowledge of Family systems therapy, Ecological systems theory, and Feminist theory, to my practice.
When working with couples I utilize Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Inventions may include play therapy, psychodynamic, psycho-education, motivational interviewing, cognitive challenging, cognitive reframing, exploration of coping patterns, exploration of emotions, exploration of relationship patterns, guided imagery, interpersonal resolutions, mindfulness training, relaxation/deep breathing, role play/behavioral rehearsal, and supportive reflection.
