The Short Version
I work with adults, children, couples and families across a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to, issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, relationship conflict/loss, difficult life transitions, self-discovery and search for meaning. I practice therapy and counseling as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, supervised by Patricia Koch, PhD.

My approach is eclectic, creative, collaborative and compassionate. My therapeutic values are informed by respect for the whole person - the mind-body-spirit - and are oriented to addressing healing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. I have been influenced by person-centered, humanistic, ego state, psychosynthesis, narrative, solution-oriented, cognitive/behavioral and other approaches. Also, a systems perspective is often useful as it takes into account that each person lives in and is influenced by their network of relationships, starting with the family of origin.

More fundamentally, I work with people who find themselves feeling too angry, too hurt, or too scared. They want to heal what hurts inside and become unstuck, so they can do things differently and feel more enjoyment and satisfaction.

Clients I have worked with have had concerns like:

As a therapist, I believe in the inner strength and essential goodness each person embodies and I strive to create the conditions that support reawakening the drive toward authenticity, congruence and integrity... and for that to be translated into making your relationships and life situation work for you. Whatever the starting point, I believe the destination should address certain questions, including these, “As I grow and change as a person, am I thriving? Does what I am learning support me being more of who I want to be? If not, what can I do to bring more grace, ease and passion to my life?”

I invite you to call and share a no-charge, 15-minute consultation to hear about what you are finding challenging, address any questions you may have, and see if a client/issue/therapist fit seems likely. I welcome conversation with you.

Education
My educational background includes an MA in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. I also have an MS in Social Psychology, which was focused on the study of small group behavior (University of Florida) plus graduate education in organizational psychology, personality theory, and developmental psychology and attachment (Louisiana State University).

I also have training and experience using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), modalities used successfully with trauma and other issues, such as stress, anxiety and PTSD, interpersonal effectiveness and sensitivity training (NTL Institute), and leadership and organizational excellence (The Managerial Grid, Scientific Methods, Inc.).

Memberships/Affiliations

But enough about me! If you come for appointments here’s what to expect.