Ali Faris, PsyD
My approach focuses on honoring your knowledge in the hope of creating an empowering environment where you benefit from freedom to discover your strengths, resiliencies, and courage. It is important to me that we consider culture, history, and identity in the context of your struggles. I truly appreciate the beautiful complexity that makes each of us who we are.
I specialize in working with clinicians struggling with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief/loss, relationship struggles, existential crisis, transitions, performance challenges, self-worth, and perfectionism. In additional I have experience working with clinicians with serious medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries.
When not working, I can be found doing many physical activities including circus arts and spending time catching up with friends and family.
Amy Trachter, PsyD, PhD
Throughout my career I have focused on working with people with both physical and mental health difficulties, many of those with acute and chronic medical disorders including Crohn’s Disease, IBS, hepatitis, cancer, cardiac and liver disease including those on the waiting list for transplant and people living with HIV/AIDS. I also have extensive expertise working with people with dementia, traumatic brain injury, CVA/Stroke, and other cognitive difficulties.
I was a special education teacher prior to becoming a psychologist and am a strong advocate for those with special needs. I care deeply about the needs of those I work with. I am particularly interested in working with people to improve interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
I live in Bergen County, New Jersey, and enjoy hiking, running and yoga.
Claudia Allen, PhD JD ABPP
I use a holistic approach rooted in attachment and Emotion Focused Therapy melded with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques. I have expertise in couples work and parenting. With couples, I use Emotion Focused Couples Therapy and in the parenting arena I am guided by attachment theory and positive parenting. I co-authored a book on my approach to parenting adolescents called Escaping the Endless Adolescence: Helping our Teens Grow Up Before They Grow Old.
I live in Virginia and Maine and love painting, recreational sports, being in nature, hiking with my therapy dog, Scout, and spending time with my husband and three adult children.
Emily Traupman, PhD
I enjoy helping physicians connect with their values and the meaning within and outside of work to maintain their purpose or “north star” around which we shape our lives. My approach is collaborative, individualized, and holistic incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Therapy. I work with health professionals on burnout, stress, mood, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, performance challenges, perfectionism, and coping with acute and chronic medical conditions. When not working I enjoy practicing yoga, hiking, paddle boarding, baking, reading, and long walks with my dog.
Jake Austin, PsyD
For the past ten years I’ve worked in primary care, supporting medical providers in caring for patients across the lifespan and addressing the variety of health concerns common to family medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, and pediatrics.
My clinical interests include men’s mental health, grief, geropsychology/older adult care, suicide prevention, parenting, and working at the intersection of science and spirituality. I have emerging competence in couples work, family systems, and behavioral skill development for managing ADHD and ASD. I mainly employ an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach to my work, informed by my training in traditional CBT and Family Systems Theory.
When I’m not on the clock, I am remodeling our old home, fishing, hiking, reading or writing. I also enjoy endurance sports and spend an inordinate amount of time dreaming about someday hiking the Camino de Santiago.
Jennifer Ayres, PhD, ABPP
Jo Vogeli, PhD
As a psychologist in academic medicine, I work directly with physicians, APPs, fellows, and residents utilizing a “care for the caregiver” approach. I provide evidence-based interventions for a variety of needs such as anxiety, sleep problems, chronic health conditions, role transitions, as well as work with those who are struggling with professional challenges to revitalize the sense of meaning and purpose that originally brought them to medicine. I offer a compassionate approach when helping individuals navigate the vulnerable time after unanticipated medical events and other adverse events that occur in professional or personal life.
For my own wellbeing, I dance hula, read many books with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on my lap, and ride my Peloton bike.
Katherine Bergs, PhD
Laura Lovato, PhD
Mandy McCorkindale, PsyD, ABPP
My approach to therapy is client-centered using evidence-based interventions. Generally, it is my goal to understand the challenges you face as you navigate the demands of working in the medical field and caring for others while also trying to maintain your own mental, emotional, and physical health. I enjoy and have expertise in working with individuals who have had all types of trauma exposure, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and difficulty adjusting to life circumstances or situations.
In my own journey to living a balanced life, I enjoy walking, yoga, kayaking, and spending time with the people who matter most to me. I am a veteran and currently serve in the Army National Guard. I have two adult children, and two incredibly amazing grandchildren who help remind me to explore the wonders of life. My partner and I also recently added a mini Aussie puppy to our household so she and her energy keep me moving!
Naomi Schwenke, PhD, LMFT
My area of expertise is helping people understand the ways in which their nervous system is responding to their experiences and how to regulate it. We often know the stories that accompany our experiences, and we may be aware of our emotional and behavioral responses, yet we may not know how it’s connected to our nervous system or what to do with overwhelming nervous system responses.
I love spending time with my family and enjoying the brief, but wonderful Minnesota summers at the lake or working in my garden.
Ummul-Kiram Kathawalla, PhD
I have expertise in a variety of presenting concerns including work stress, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, and substance use. I also have expertise and a passion for career exploration and perinatal mental health. I aim to provide culturally informed care and emphasize peoples' strengths with the hope to support everyone to live a life according to their values. I adapt my approach to my client’s needs and tend to pull from Acceptance and Committment Therapy and Mindfulness approaches.
I am originally from Minnesota (land of 10,000 lakes) and so in my free time you can find me by a body of water. When I am not swimming, I am traveling, doing yoga, watching a new show, trying new foods, and listening to live music.
For existing patients: Meet with Ummul.
Ummul is not taking new patients at this time.