WEBSITE:  ABOUT ME

     I am a pediatrician who practices at Holyoke Pediatric Associates in Holyoke and South Hadley, MA.  My belief that the mind and the body are inseparable affects every aspect of my practice.   I do things that every other pediatrician does:  check ups, sick visits, and care of newborns.  But in every aspect of my care, I encourage kids and their families to use their own natural healing powers, and to use other integrative techniques which are safe and supported by science.  

I also accept consults from other pediatricians, specialists, and mental health professionals.  They send me children and teenagers with headaches, stomachaches, other chronic pain, Tourette's syndrome, bedwetting, other habit disorders, sleep problems, anxiety, and phobias -- for hypnosis. mindful meditation, and biofeedback.  These behavioral treatments have been found to be the BEST EVIDENCE BASED treatment for functional abdominal pain, IBS, and migraines, and are very useful in other disorders. 

I began my clinical hypnosis training during my residency training at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis/St. Paul, under the tutelage of two pioneers in the field:  Dr.'s Karen Olness and Dan Kohen.  I continued my training with a group of professionals who included the psychologist Leora Kutner, and the integrative pediatrician Tim Culbert, under the auspices of The Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.   Their training continues in the form of the National Pediatric Hypnosis Training Institute (NPHTI) every year.   I furthered my advanced training with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, where I earned my certification, and consultation status (enabling me to teach other health professionals); I then passed my boards in medical hypnosis to earn my ABMH.   I have furthered my training with intensive workshops taught by the world renowned expert in anxiety and depression, Dr. Michael Yapko.

I have written a half dozen articles on the subject of clinical hypnosis, and taught around the country, and abroad.   One topic I am passionate about is the fact that doctors NEED to learn about non pharmacologic methods to treat chronic pain - like hypnosis - in order to fight the opiate epidemic which is killing and sickening so many Americans.

In order to see me in consultation, call Holyoke Pediatrics at 413-536-2393.  We do take most insurances, including MA Health.  If you would like your insurance to pay, make sure to get a referral from your primary care provider.  Feel free to communicate with me via email.