I am a health psychologist with expertise in helping patients cope with chronic illness and stressful life events and the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (including strategies such as hypnosis) to reduce their anxiety and depression and improve quality of life. I provide interventions to individual patients and survivors, and at times I also meet with members of their families. In addition, I am the psychological liaison to the Colorectal Disease Management Team.
Currently, I am the acting leader of the Disparities and Community Outreach Laboratory. The lab examines methods to increase minority participation in clinical trials and develops culturally congruent prevention and treatment interventions. I am also affiliated with the Symptom Studies and Pharmacotherapy Laboratory. The lab conducts and examines symptom assessment studies, which are aimed at enhancing quality of life and relieving suffering of patients.
My research interests include investigating the barriers and supports that affect colorectal screening participation among minority populations; developing cognitive behavioral interventions for bone marrow transplant recipients; and increasing quality of life among patients and survivors, including with regard to their sexual health. I have received research funding from the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Defense.
I am a member of many scientific and medical societies including the American Psychological Association and American Society of Psychiatric Oncology/AIDS, and the Society for Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis, both organizations of specialists in my field. Additionally, I am a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Phone
646-888-0032
Education
PhD, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University (New York City)
Residencies
Yale University
Fellowships
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Clinical Expertise
Psycho-oncology; Stress Management; Adjustment Problems; Surgery Preparation; Psychological Treatment of Distress in Cancer Patients, their Family Members and Caregivers
