Hey, I’m Dominique!
My Background
After graduating from Columbia University School of Social Work, I gained my expertise working as a therapist at a hospital affiliated child psychiatry clinic that specialized in treating children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and abuse. After a few years, I moved on to a trauma-specialized community mental health practice, where I expanded my work to also include young adults and parents. In these roles, I was supervised and trained by some of the most well regarded child abuse experts in New York City.
I have robust experiences helping children, teens, and young adults who experienced child abuse process what they went through, and how it pertains to present day issues. While I have clinical experience with all types of child abuse, as a former competitive athlete with over 5 years of coaching experience prior to attending graduate school, I have a deep understanding of the athlete and coach dynamics that are present in abuse situations.
Given my history in the field of child abuse, I also have a lot of experience working with parents who have been impacted by the vicarious trauma of learning that their child was abused. I have found that given the upsetting and traumatic nature of this experience, it can be really helpful for parents to work with a specialist, who truly understands the deep feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame that are often associated with this.
In addition to treating trauma and PTSD, I have a lot of experience helping clients with primary concerns related to grief, relationships, anxiety, and stress. I really enjoy working with emerging adults on adjusting to college, the workforce, and romantic relationships. Since starting private practice, I expanded my practice to include working with couples as well!
Lastly, I also have a lot of advanced knowledge about adoption family dynamics after volunteering as a research assistant for an adoption research program for 1.5 years. I have since done clinical work with infant adoptees, transracial adoptees, and child welfare involved children. I feel well suited to assist adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents with processing feelings pertaining to all aspects of adoption.
My Expertise
My approach
I work collaboratively with my clients to create a safe and nurturing space where they can work through complicated feelings, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns or ideas, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes. I like to model using humor and playfulness as a coping strategy while still validating the weight and significance of what my clients have been through. My approach is eclectic, drawing on components from Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), psychodynamic, strengths-based and humanistic approaches, with my techniques being shaped to my client’s needs. For couples, I have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Given the intimate nature of therapy, it's important to find a therapist who you're comfortable with. I'm happy to chat more about your goals over a free consultation call to help you decide if I would be the right fit for you! Please use the Contact page to connect, or click the link below to book directly onto my calendar!