I work with individuals from young adulthood through older age, and couples have been a specialty for more than 25 years. Life events and experiences can cause stress, confusion, grief, and myriad other feelings which, when internalized, result in anxiety and depression. Whether seeing couples or individuals, I have found that a combination of insight and understanding, attention to feelings, and cognitive and behavioral change is most effective in addressing both internal and interpersonal conflicts and concerns. I work with people to resolve, heal, accept, and cope with loss, trauma, illness, family, marital and work issues, and more.

I believe in one's potential to achieve improved well being through commitment to growth. I am passionate about working with diverse individuals and families on their journey through life and provide them with the tools to address life's challenges and transitions.

Have you found yourself at a crossroads in life? Are you experiencing strain in a relationship or grieving a significant loss? Is your quality of life less than satisfactory? Psychotherapy can help you work through difficult life issues, discover positive solutions, develop meaningful relationships, and live a more fulfilling, authentic life. I provide psychotherapy and counseling to individuals who are motivated and courageously committed to achieving well-being, personal growth and transformation by engaging in the therapeutic process.

I graduated from Stanford University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I then attended Washington State University where I received a Masters of Business Administration in 1993. I graduated from Santa Clara University in 2012 with a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology. I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California in 2016 (LMFT#92542). As an intern, I worked for four years at a local high school counseling adolescents & their families. I also worked at a clinic, treating adults, couples and families. I lead grief & loss support groups on a regular basis.

Finding your way through emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and significant life changes, can be a very lonely experience on your own. Having a partner can make all the difference. Working with a knowledgable, insightful and compassionate psychotherapist can make the journey bearable, smoother and more successful. In my practice, you are not alone. I partner with clients and provide guidance and support in a safe, supportive and empathetic environment to explore challenges and promote overall wellness. I specialize in helping people with depressive disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, difficult life transitions, interpersonal conflicts and low self-esteem.

I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience I provide individual and couples therapy using Attachment Theory and Emotion Focused treatment. I also treat behavioral issues such as sleep, eating disorders and chronic pain. I practice evidence-based treatments supported by scientific research primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My focus is on helping people improve their coping resources to better manage life stress, illnesses, and relationships. Working with your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, I teach you skills that you can use ongoing.

Are you feeling stuck in the same type of relationships, arguments, or habits? When you feel stuck, it can be helpful to talk with someone to consider a fresh perspective. Previous ways of facing obstacles in your life may not be working and you might want to learn new ways to cope, or you may need extra support while going through a challenging experience. Typically, I help clients with stress, depression, worries/anxiety, life transitions, professional/sport/academic performance, and substance abuse. I enjoy working with people who are interested in self-growth and are curious about themselves and others.

For parents, when your child is struggling - academically, socially, or emotionally - having a partner can make all the difference. Families seek out my services to diagnose learning differences and ADHD and to design and implement successful interventions. I help families achieve understanding and confidence related to their child's education.

I'm a Psychologist with an Integrative perspective, comfortable working with a variety of types of people and problems from a variety of perspectives. It is as important to be able to work towards change in the present, as it is to revisit and understand how one's developmental history may be influencing present issues or repeating patterns. I have found truths in many theoretical approaches, and as much from studies outside of Psychology as within it.

Good therapy involves the right match. I also provide a free 30 minute (in person) question and answer session (not counseling). This allows you to understand what your therapy process will look like. If we decide to work together, you will be involved in a very action oriented therapy. Our work will encourage you to practice your new skills during the week. I try to use approaches that you find helpful like: writing in a journal, reading books, support groups, and/or your spiritual practices, that may help while you are in therapy. New blog:therapist.and.mother@blogspot.com

Deciding to make that first call or email inquiring about counseling, can be a difficult step. My goal is to make this process as easy as I can for you and to be as supportive as possible throughout the process. That includes listening intently in order to understand how you got to where you are today and what you would like to change. Then, with the many tools in my toolbox, I will help you make those changes. If you are dealing with anxiety, trauma or relationship issues, contact me. I will answer any questions you may have. Please note: I am only doing teletherapy at this time and for the foreseeable future.

Do you feel stuck in your life? Do you often get told that you don't quite seem like your old self? Do you sometimes feel like you could be living a different life if you could overcome some of the things you are carrying with you? I am passionate about working with adolescents and adults who are looking for a shift in their lives - whether in relationships, career, school or how they view themselves.

Are you struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or a tough life transition? Are you a healthcare provider burdened by workplace demands and job stress? I can help you. I help people dealing with serious, even life threatening illnesses; and I’ve helped many doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals cope with stressful work environments. Contact me to discuss how my background in healthcare, palliative care and psychotherapy may be helpful to you too!

Perhaps you are at this web site because you are experiencing a major life transition or grieving the loss of someone you love. Maybe you're feeling depressed, anxious, alienated, or numb. I have joined this web site because I would like to help. I love working with people as they examine their inner psychological worlds, life experiences, and hopes. I feel quite privileged to share in the journey to increased wholeness and the deeper sense of psychological well being.

Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions, negative self-talks, and reactions/behaviors that have landed you in the dire situation over and over again, but not sure how to get out of the cycle? Are you struggling with intimacy or sexual concerns and not sure how to improve the situation? Many adults and couples we work with struggle with overwhelming emotions, negative self-talks, work stress, ADHD, anxiety/panic attacks, low self-esteem, sleep problem, relationship concerns, sexual concerns, identity concerns, and family pressure/boundary concerns.

Welcome! I work primarily with high functioning adults, couples, and groups who are encountering stress and/or difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, either in the work setting, at home, or both. This includes people experiencing depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and those dealing with adjustment issues related to recent changes in their life-- for example, divorce, blended families, job change, birth of a child, relationships with in-laws, money issues, etc.

Stressful encounters, complex life experience, academic stressors and more, can often cause college students, teens, and children to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy, body image issues, and negative self-talk. In my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with clients struggling with these kinds of challenges both at school and at home. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients thrive and flourish by equipping them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate daily stressors, grow their self care, and improve coping skills.

I am passionate about helping people feel and perform better. My clients include adults and adolescents seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, and general mental health concerns. I also specialize in working with athletes, performers, professionals, and teams wanting to enhance mental skills for peak performance. I adopt a strength-based, collaborative, and goal-directed approach to quickly identify and overcome barriers to wellbeing and performance. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other scientifically supported therapies to effect change and enhance performance.

Are you smart and successful but feel stuck for some reason? Are you trying to develop better relationships, change career paths, or achieve personal or professional excellence? In a thought-partnering process of inquiry and personal discovery, I help you identify what you want and what is standing in your way, and focus on you taking action toward your vision, goals and desires while providing you structure, support and feedback. I am highly trained and devoted to helping you uncover important truths about yourself, your values, and your deepest wishes so you can maximize your personal and professional potential.

I am a warm, compassionate psychologist who practices therapy with a "power with" rather than a "power over" approach. I have personal experience with many life events including single parenting, divorce, caring for elderly parents, and overcoming depression. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, identity issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, and cancer related distress. I have extensive experience working at the residential & outpatient levels for eating disorders, and provide supportive therapy for not only the client, but for the parent or significant other who supports them.