"When someone lives through stressful or traumatic experiences it is normal for it to have a lasting impact. This can include feeling sad, frightened, ashamed, and out of control. Feeling like the weight of it has you frozen. It can feel isolating. The events can leave you fearing the connection you yearn for. Feeling like nobody understands you. Wanting to run. You may feel like you can't see through the darkness and struggling to feel safe."

"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 couples and families improve communication, resolve conflict, and increase love. With individuals, I help them overcome depression and anxiety develop coping skills. Since I am also a writer, I frame individuals as characters in a story, called to face adversity, transform their life, and achieve happiness. I am the co-author of "Fighting for Love: Turn Conflict into Intimacy.""

"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."

"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."

"...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."

"Are you into the chase or acceptance? 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. "

"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."

"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. "

"It has been my privilege to specialize in working with children for over 28 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 employ Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I specialize in working with children ages 11 years and younger."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The answer to almost any question or struggle we might have is ultimately more love, more acceptance, and more empathy, whether that is for ourselves or for others. The journey of counseling involves radical self-acceptance and exploration, in a world that doesn’t typically encourage or support that sort of thing. As long as you are willing, I will meet you where you are and walk with you as far as you may choose to go."

"Like many, you wear numerous hats in your life, however, these days you’re having a really hard time managing them all. You’re finding it difficult to be a loving partner, a patient parent, a caring friend, an attentive family member, or even a successful employee or student. Your life roles are very important to you but you’re finding it difficult to find enjoyment in them. You are isolating from those you care about, having angry or emotional outbursts, and even experiencing feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and irritability that are “not you” and difficult to explain. 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!"

"In our work together we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals and families. I am an educator of Marriage, Family and Individual Therapists at Pepperdine University where I have worked for 27 years as Manager of Clinical Training and Professional Development."

"For the past 17 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."

"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."