As a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California, my intention is to provide warm, attentive, empathetic, and results-oriented care to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Collaborative problem-solving is emphasized in an effort to ensure that each person in the family system feels heard and understood. Through a compassionate approach and a space in which vulnerability, mental health, healthy boundaries, and self-compassion are normalized, we can cultivate the kind of therapeutic relationship that leads to relief, true transformation and lasting change. The therapeutic process involves commitment, courage, and teamwork; as a result, I have deep respect for those who are willing to seek help during difficult times in their lives. By identifying and disrupting distorted response patterns, it is my hope to help find healing and forgiveness around past hurts and restore appropriate self-worth, realistic optimism, relational health and the courage to act from love.
Areas of Specialization
I specialize in trauma and treating mood disorders throughout the lifespan. Adverse life events, especially those which occur early in development, can create vulnerability to later struggles, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression and other mental health conditions.
In addition, I have specialized training and knowledge in the nature and impact of learning exceptionalities, as well as Pervasive Developmental Disorders, including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Genetics, temperament, and family dynamics influence a person’s response to difficult experiences. I help individuals and families cope with life stressors and transitional phases, whether that means adjusting to new environments and cultures, adjusting to changes that come with age, adjusting to a new family system, new academic environment or career, or adjusting to life with a physical challenge or mental health concern. I actively collaborate with individuals and families to develop clear goals for our work together, identifying what specific changes will signal that desired progress is being made. I work from a strength-based perspective, using a person's history as a guide, while focusing on finding practical ways to bring healing and hope to their present challenges.
My approach is evidence-based with an emphasis on mindfulness-based contemplative therapy and action-oriented interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as skills training in the areas of Social Communication, Executive Functioning, and Independent Living. Other perspectives informing my work include the Neurosequential Model, Polyvagal Theory, Compassionate Mind Training (CMT), Shame Resilience Theory (SRT) and Love & Logic® parenting strategies.
In addition, I have specialized training and knowledge in the nature and impact of learning exceptionalities, as well as Pervasive Developmental Disorders, including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Genetics, temperament, and family dynamics influence a person’s response to difficult experiences. I help individuals and families cope with life stressors and transitional phases, whether that means adjusting to new environments and cultures, adjusting to changes that come with age, adjusting to a new family system, new academic environment or career, or adjusting to life with a physical challenge or mental health concern. I actively collaborate with individuals and families to develop clear goals for our work together, identifying what specific changes will signal that desired progress is being made. I work from a strength-based perspective, using a person's history as a guide, while focusing on finding practical ways to bring healing and hope to their present challenges.
My approach is evidence-based with an emphasis on mindfulness-based contemplative therapy and action-oriented interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as skills training in the areas of Social Communication, Executive Functioning, and Independent Living. Other perspectives informing my work include the Neurosequential Model, Polyvagal Theory, Compassionate Mind Training (CMT), Shame Resilience Theory (SRT) and Love & Logic® parenting strategies.
