"For the past 40 years, I worked in Australia and America as a therapist and educator. I was Director of the Family Therapy Program in Sydney and later worked with the Family Institute at Northwestern University. I help individuals overcome anxiety and depression & help couples improve communication, resolve conflict, and increase love & intimacy. Since I am also a writer, I frame individuals as the main characters in a story, called to face adversity, transform their lives, and achieve personal happiness. I am the author of "The Roadmap Home: Your GPS to Inner Peace" & co-author of "Fighting for Love: Turn Conflict into Intimacy.""

"You may be curious or concerned about your emotional life, relationship, or sexual experiences, and believe me, you are not alone. Our relationship is a significant predictor of health and longevity, and one of the most important areas of our lives. And yet, we don't always treat our relationship as such and pay enough attention to it. If you are an individual or couple who is interested in having honest, challenging, and meaningful conversations about your romantic relationship and intimate life, I would love to work with you to provide you with education and suggestions in a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental approach."

"If you are having difficulty getting sober and staying sober, or you find your addiction is causing your life to become unmanageable, it's time to get help. I can provide you with a complete assessment ,treatment recommendations and referrals for detox, sober living or residential treatment centers. I have extensive experience counseling dual diagnosis / co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression, secondary to the addiction. I support the benefits of the abstinence model in most cases. I am familiar with harm reduction techniques as an option for some patients."

"It has been my privilege to specialize in working with children for over 30 years to address Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Depression, grief, emotional regualtion, giftedness, trauma, adoption, peer and social issues, special needs and sleep issues. Inclusive of the child's immediate family, and any other supportive or integral partners, such as their teacher or doctor, when requested by the parent. I was trained as a Family System's Therapist and did extensive post graduate training in Play Therapy ( Registered Play Therapist), E.M.D.R. and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I specialize in working with children ages 11 years and younger."

"Is your relationship suffering due to addiction, infidelity or lack of communication? I work with individuals and couples who have tried to 'make things work' but find that the trust, the pain, and the sadness is too overwhelming to do it on their own. My role is helping you navigate a way out of the emotional maze that can feel lonely and hopeless. Feeling stuck leads to depression and anxiety that affects the quality of your life and your active participation in your happiness. This is the point when you socialize less, watch Netflix more, and find life and relationships mundane."

"A part of you is ready for change while a part of you may be ambivalent or resistant. Anxiety, Depression, disrupted sleep, and difficulties regulating anger, stress and other emotions may be the resulting symptoms of being conflicted and stuck. When you are ready to break this cycle, I can help you identify and meet your deepest needs while transforming your relationship with yourself and others. My goal is to have my clients become successfully independent with life-long tools for success. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I combine evidence-based treatments with education to foster a trusting therapist-client relationship."

"Are you having difficulty overcoming a problem, mood or behavior? If an issue is not relatively easy to change, then chances are, there is a block of some sort preventing the progression and flow of positive thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It is frustrating, discouraging and painful as an intelligent and competent person to work on a goal and not get the results you hope for."

"Change is an inevitable part of life. The lack of change or too much change can overwhelm us and derail our growth. No one escapes hardship and stress. During these times we need the trust, respect, and empathy of an impartial professional especially when family and friends are just too close to the matter. With more than 20 years of clinical practice, I've found that the healthier person reaches out for help beyond their immediate sphere. I see myself as a guide facilitating my patients' healthy risk taking and helping them manifest their visions for a better future."

"I am committed and interested in helping my clients strengthen their connections to others while simultaneously developing the tools to create personal feelings of confidence, strength, and fulfullment within themselves. Although I cater to each client specifically, my general plan of action consists of the immediate alleviation of symptoms, in concert with an in-depth look at related patterns established throughout the client's lifetime. In other words, first we can tend to the flower's blossom, but then let us tend to its roots."

"Here is what I know: Life is beautiful and life is messy. Life is joyful and life is painful. There is not a linear trajectory. Life may be going along swimmingly, and then seemingly out of nowhere something can change in an instant and send one on a completely different course. Wouldn't it be nice to avoid these unpleasant truths? Unfortunately, the ways we attempt to avoid suffering usually create more of the very problems we were trying to ignore. I offer support and guidance to couples and individuals seeking resilience and a calm center amidst life's changes."

"...Not just another therapist, but a Clinical Psychologist that is also a Certified Addiction Specialist. 'Substance abuse treatment..." the subject of my doctoral dissertation, is the mantra of my personal journey and commitment to help others find the path to a better life. I integrate state of the art brain science with psychotherapy, refining and building upon that which I have personally mastered. I am committed to compassionate client care, and to meet you exactly where you are... whenever you are ready, because, the truth of the matter is, that most people cannot recover on their own."

"My client's goals are to better understand his/her behaviors, thoughts, and emotions so that he/she is empowered to action, rather than reaction, in the face of life's challenges. He/she is eager to know him or herself better, to embrace the journey of self-awareness, thus leading to more freedom and grace, versus control, in interpersonal relationships. Most of all, my client wants to be truer to his or her genuine self: a better version of his/her genuine self, not a changed version. This will involve more acceptance and love of self and others."

"Does something need to change in your life? There are actions you can take to identify your feelings and prevent them from overtaking your life. My speciality includes substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, and couples therapy . I will offer you an individualized treatment plan, especially, designed to meet your individual needs. I am trained in Gestalt, CBT, and Contemplative Psychotherapy. I integrate mindfulness from my training as a certified yoga instructor and certified nutritionist to help you become healthy and live a vibrant life. "

"**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** Like many moms, you wear numerous hats in your life, and trying to manage them all successfully can be emotionally exhausting. Too often, you tell yourself that you ARE FAILING; failing at being a mom, failing at being a partner, failing at being a friend, failing at being an employee or student, etc etc...leaving you feeling helpless, hopeless, anxious, and depressed. One voice tells you that you CAN do this while the louder voice tells you that you CAN'T, so you isolate in the silence of shame and put on a brave face hoping to make it through the day. You want to feel better, but you're unsure how. "

"With over 8 years coaching, speaking, and most importantly, real-life, in-the-trenches counseling experience, my view is radically different. I appreciate, and share with patients, that change and wellness is a moment-to-moment choice and not always about medication, doctor appointments or defeat. I'm known for my practical, street-savvy style; my fusion of real-life stories and my conversational techniques connect with my patients at an intimate, intense and individual level. If you are ready to make a change, I'm ready to help you!"

"If you are looking at this page, you are most likely trying to get help. Finding a good match is essential to successful therapy. I connect with clients by listening and exploring without judgement. Clients have told me they appreciate my compassion, finding it easy to talk with me about difficult issues. Psychotherapy is a process of self-discovery where you learn why you do what you do, as well as how to change behaviors. Many hide their authentic self, conforming to the expectations of others. Psychotherapy can assist you in becoming reacquainted with yourself."

" I work with adults in individual and or couple counseling. I help clients resolve short term transitional issues as well as longer term difficulties. People who have struggled with an unresolved personal or relationship issue often experience depression and anxiety as a result of it. I address both the issue and the emotional response to the issue. I also provide extensive psychotherapy for clients suffering from longer term problems."

"I am new to San Clemente, after having lived and practiced near Santa Barbara for the past 35 years. Moved here to be closer to our son and daughter-in-law and new grandson. I enjoy and take pride in my work as a psychologist. I work well with people who are hurting and confused and are struggling to make sense of their life and their experiences. I work well with clients with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, aging, and other challenges. I work well with couples who are struggling with their relationship. I am a Medicare provider."

"In the midst of the storm, I will join you as you walk in the rain. Clients are the authors of their lives and need assistance solving problems in ways that fit who they are. My goal is to offer individuals the support they need to successfully address life challenges to help them find their strengths and personal solutions to lead a happy and fulfilled life. Recognizing and capitalizing on strengths is imperative for personal growth."

"For the past 18 years, I have worked in Hospitals, Inpatient and Outpatient, Eating Disorder Clinics, a Women and Children's Domestic Violence Crisis Shelter, non-profit counseling centers for families and in an extremely challenging College setting with ages 17-65.In my private practice I see Individuals, couples, children and families. My experience working in numerous settings with people from diverse backgrounds with mild to severe mental health issues, has helped me develop a level of professional competence to help you and your family members with the highest level of care. Your well-being is my highest priority."