About

About Dr Vicki

I do tell my clients about my life sometimes, but mostly we talk about you, though -

I’ve been very fortunate in many ways, and I’ve had a hard life, too.

Choosing to be a psychologist -

One way I’ve been fortunate is in my profession. When I was in college, when I first took a psychology class – I had images of myself being in an office, seeing people and helping them. I had a strong feeling that that was what I wanted, what I was meant to be.

I followed that path and have had a successful practice for many years now. I’ve worked with thousands of people. It’s hard to describe all the different sorts I’ve worked with, but it’s been all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, workers of all types, professionals, business owners, and all levels in the corporate world. I’ve worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

I’ve been a psychologist for a long time -

I’ve been doing it so long now that I’ve had the incredible pleasure of seeing grown children of people I worked with when they were very young.

So, in addition to twelve years of education and training, I’ve been practicing for another thirty-some years. This means I’ve developed immense knowledge and wisdom about how to best help people and the specific needs they have. I’m humble, too; I don’t pretend to know everything, especially about my clients - I’m still surprised by the ingenuity and awfulness of people.

I know you want to know more about me - it’s not easy, but here is more:

I’ve always been a pretty down-to-earth and highly respectful person. And I have always been somewhat different from my colleagues, my fellow psychologists. Although I’ve had aspects of myself that were pretty straight-laced (an old term that still has meaning), I’ve been looser than the others. I’ve continued to loosen up a lot, which is a source of joy and warmth.

Yes, I’ve had therapy for myself, I know how it feels -

My personal difficulties have meant that I’ve sought help for myself many times over the years. Being in the ‘other’ chair has helped me in my life and, in my understanding, a deeper understanding of the issues we all confront. This has helped my ability to connect, to be compassionate, to help others.

The American culture is limited in many ways -

In many parts of our culture, it’s not ok to acknowledge that life is hard.

But it is; it’s very hard.

Have you ever seen a doctor who was willing to admit he or she didn’t know something? Didn’t it make you respect that person a lot more? Compare that to consulting with someone who pretended to know or who lectured you about something you already know about. Who would you prefer to work with, especially when it’s your life, your health, your body, or your soul?

When we live life to the fullest, we feel a lot of pain and discomfort, as well as passion and joy. Becoming able to say these difficult things is one of the singular struggles we share. Of course, there are people who say things more easily, sometimes well, often not well at all.

I certainly don’t know everything -

Becoming more comfortable with not knowing what to say, how to say it, what to do, etc., etc., is essential. Confronting and being able to not know things is the bottom line when we are becoming more of who we really are – human!

Evolving and growing - I like sports analogies - Sarge who did commentary for the Phillies, said - “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” -

I’ve been consciously growing and evolving as a human being for a long time, and I’m just getting better at it! I would be delighted to serve as a support and guide for you in your human journey.

Let me help you - 

If you’ve been searching for a new therapist near you, I would love to help, whether you’re having relationship issues or need someone to help with your mental health care. Finding the right therapist can be a challenge, but I’m up for it if you are. I am a therapist online and in-person. Contact me to get started!