I am a Clinical Psychologist trained extensively in Health Psychology and I also live with multiple vestibular diagnoses. In 2017, I was diagnosed with SCDS, subsequent BPPV, and postpartum developed chronic VM and PPPD. I’ve experienced it all! Thus, I’m in a very unique position to help walk down your healing path with you.

I take a holistic approach. Vestibular disorders require multidisciplinary interventions. I know how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system with a vestibular disorder, so I’m here to help with that! I can help you assemble a top-notch treatment team to optimize your health.

My approach to therapy is eclectic; I use techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Polyvagal Theory, and others. I also routinely use objective assessment measures to track your progress and see how we might be able to improve your treatment. My approach is time-limited and goal-directed. In other words, we will always be working towards specific goals and therapy will be complete when you’ve reached your goals.

I stay well-informed on the latest research in both traditional and alternative medicine; I never want patients with vestibular disorders to feel like they’ve “tried everything.”

I would be honored to be part of your treatment team!

-B.A., Psychology - University of Southern California

-M.S., Experimental Psychology - Old Dominion University

-Ph.D., Clinical Psychology - Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology

-Predoctoral Internship, Integrated Primary Care - Eastern Virginia Medical School

-Postdoctoral Fellowship, Primary Care Behavioral Health - VAMC Bedford and UMass Medical School

-Vestibular disorders and common comorbidities including inflammatory conditions, histamine intolerance, mast cell activation syndrome, and more

-Anxiety

-Depression

-Grief due to chronic illness

-Psychological assessment of adults

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by Veterans Affairs

-Primary Care Behavioral Health by The Center for Integrated Primary Care, UMass Medical School

-HeartMath® Clinical Certification for Stress, Anxiety, and Self-Regulation

Kostelnik, E. O., Howard, L. M., & Paulson, J. F. (2024). Mental health education and utilization among patients with vestibular disorders. Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings, 10.1007/s10880-024-10022-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-024-10022-8