Meet Dr. Dina.

My Early Training

I have been in private practice since 2001 after obtaining Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical and Health Psychology and training with world-renowned clinicians and researchers at top hospitals in the country, including an Internship at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital and multiple Externships and a Fellowship at the University of Philadelphia/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). I began my training in the areas of adult health psychology and child & pediatric psychology, which involve helping people cope with medical illness and other health issues, improve health behaviors, heal from grief and loss, and manage anxiety, life stress and life transitions. These goals are achieved through the biopsychosocial perspective and a combination of approaches focused on addressing the whole person, including behavioral medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family systems approaches, and bereavement counseling. Through this work with both adults and children, I realized that I was oftentimes working with couples and families. So I set out to learn more about helping couples and improving relationships.

Couples Therapy Experience

Starting in 2005, I spent long hours learning about relationships, attachment, building & repairing trust, and developing connection & intimacy. I dedicated many years to getting trained in the most research-based, effective approaches with the leaders in the field, including Dr. Sue Johnson and Drs. John and Julie Gottman, in order to help individuals in their relationships and couples become more engaged, connected and fulfilled in their partnerships. While I got to know as many approaches as I could find, I ultimately focused intensively on those that were most grounded in research and empirically supported. Specifically, I became a certified Therapist and Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the only couples therapy that is based on the scientifically-supported theory of attachment and meets the American Psychological Association’s gold standard for empirically validated interventions. I also obtained Advanced training (Level 3) in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMT), an approach that is based on seminal research focused on understanding and predicting marital satisfaction and divorce. In addition, I learned various other couples therapy approaches in order to become familiar with couples therapy most broadly and to incorporate elements that are helpful to each couple.

This intensive couples therapy training and experience also informs and deepens my work with individuals who are dealing with relationship issues in all areas of their life, including family, friends and work.

Mindfulness and Meditation Background

Through this work with both individuals and couples, I came to realize the importance of mindfulness in improving relationships and one’s daily experience of life. Once again, I set out to intensively learn and train, this time focused on various mindfulness approaches and types of meditation. This work also reinforced my interest in what is considered contemporary or third wave Cognitive Behavioral therapies (CBT) that incorporate mindfulness, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is extremely helpful in coping with the impact of life’s circumstances in order to move towards one’s values and live a meaningful life. Recognizing the profound impact of mindfulness and meditation, I also became certified as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, which I incorporate with clients if they are interested in this modality.

Systematic Integration & Collaborative Approach

Through years of training and experience I have come to appreciate the profound impact of the thoughtful and systematic integration of these various scientifically sound approaches. By combining and incorporating these most effective treatments, I am able to customize therapy to fit the unique needs of each individual or couple.

From the beginning of my training, I have valued the safety, trust and connection in the therapeutic relationship that is necessary to do this work. Research supports that this relationship is one of the most important predictors of the effectiveness of therapy. I strive to attend to, and create a safe, non-judgmental connection with clients. Through the years, I have sharpened and refined these skills to incorporate the tangible and intangible elements of this relationship in my work with clients. This relationship provides the context and space within which clients can explore, learn, grow and make profound changes.

I work collaboratively with clients, using a thorough initial assessment, individualized plans based on integrating evidence-based therapy approaches, and ongoing assessment of progress, all in the context of a safe, connected therapeutic relationship. Being in private practice for over 20 years, I have had the pleasure and honor of working with many clients to help them understand themselves better, change targeted behaviors, improve their relationships, and create more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Brief Clinical Consultation

Through the years I have observed how overwhelming it can be for individuals and couples to look for therapists, including knowing what to look for, the options that might be helpful and the range of considerations to determine a good match in a therapist and approach. So I began to offer my experience, skills and connections in this field in the form of a brief consultation designed to assist individuals, couples and families in navigating the process of finding what they are looking for in therapy. This consultation is individualized, but typically involves 1 to 2 meetings for individuals and 1 to 4 meetings for couples in which I assess the history, needs, and style of each individual in order to make recommendations about which therapy modalities and approaches might be most helpful, and also educate clients in the options and elements to consider in finding a good fit to meet their needs and goals.

CONSULTATION FOR PROFESSIONALS

Clinical Consultation

I also value and enjoy providing clinical consultation and supervision to other psychologists, therapists and students of all levels to help them develop the foundations of effective therapy, learn these various approaches and find their own style in providing therapy.

Business Consultation

In addition, I assist other therapists in starting or growing their practices and provide similar consultation to individuals in other fields who are looking to start, improve or expand their businesses. I draw from my clinical experience to assist these clients in clarifying their values, improving their relationships with colleagues, employees and customers, using their strengths and addressing their patterns that may get in their way, and taking active steps towards their goals.

Research & Statistical Consultation

My interest and experience in research and the scientific process influences my clinical work and also inspired me to provide research and statistical consultation for students, faculty and organizations, which I have been doing for over 25 years.