I am a psychologist experienced in helping children, teens and adults. My experiences in the mental health field began in 1981 and include working with the seriously mentally ill, treating traumatized children, and working with the oppressed. These experiences have taught me the importance of maintaining compassion for others even when they are in extreme states or are easily wounded. Working with different cultures has taught me to respect the world view and values of others. My background helps me to understand struggles of all types with a greater depth and sensitivity. All problems, worries and concerns are significant and deserving of a serious approach.

I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples strengthening self-reliance, self-awareness, familial as well as relational bonds. During these times, therapy has its challenges and can be quite confusing. This is especially true for younger children. Through the use of telehealth, I do what I can to make therapy a comfortable experience.

“Any worthwhile conversation starts with listening”. We all benefit from feeling heard. As a clinician, I am able to hold space for clients to process all that they think, feel and have experienced. I help my clients rethink and reframe stories that no longer serve them of how they fit in and move through the world. Some of us are lucky to have friends and family that can support us in this way, but at times we may find ourselves needing more. Having someone who can listen to you free of judgment and provide positive support can be a game changer!

If you are struggling with problematic life situations such as trauma, grief, relational issues, or other emotional difficulties, then now is the time to address them. Change can be a scary process and taking the first step to deal with a difficult problem may seem overwhelming. Working with a professional therapist can help to make those life transitions and the process of change more manageable, achievable and rewarding. I have spent the last twelve years helping people resolve a variety of difficult psychological and emotional problems.

You are struggling to navigate a normal developmental crises (parenting, grief, divorce, retirement...) Stressful thoughts and feelings demand your attention and interfere with relationships, work and pleasure...You are not broken or mentally ill. You may dread that first call, wondering how to easily describe your concerns/problem to a stranger or the dreaded voice mail! fears about long treatment, high cost...Let's safely explore things together.

ABLE TO DO PHONE SESSIONS. Life can be incredibly lonely and painful at times. My goal is to support you, gently and honestly, towards increased self respect and worthiness. Licensed since 1999, I have vast experience with children, families, and adults. Depression, anxiety, complicated traumas and grief; issues regarding foster care and adoption; sexual abuse, parenting, and/or child welfare are areas I'm well versed in. I'm genuine and compassionate. Most important to you should be finding a therapist with whom you're comfortable. That's not always easy, but it can be well worth your efforts. I'd be honored to be chosen by you.

"It takes a village to raise a child". I have over 15 year experience working with children, teens, and families to enhance relationships, decrease behavior problems, and improve communication within family systems. I believe that all individuals and families have the capacity for change and growth, but sometimes need a little support. My passion is to help parents and children strengthen relationships and decrease negative behaviors.

Are you dealing with a major life transition, feeling lost or just need someone to help you navigate through day to day difficulties? My experience includes assisting children, adolescents, individuals and families deal with major life challenges and transitions. I believe that we all may need a little more support at times when we are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck in unhelpful patterns of behavior and communication. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, family conflict, attention deficit/hyperactivity, social difficulties and behavioral issues.

Over the last 15 years, I have worked within schools, Behavioral Health agencies, and Family court as a Court Mediator. I enjoy working with adults and children. My areas of specialty are Anxiety, Depression, post-traumatic stress (EMDR), couples therapy, parenting and co-parenting issues, parental alienation, adolescent behavior issues, anger issues and child play therapy. I have been effective in working with clients to identify their or parent's goals to overcome their personal barriers. I enjoy engaging clients to help them achieve their full potential, end their emotional distress, and communicate better.

I'm deeply committed to bringing compassion and sincerity to each therapy session. Whether by working with you as an individual or as a couple, I can help you to assess where you want to go and how relating to your past and present circumstances can be helpful. Assisting people in how to accept and cope with both their difficulties as well as deepen their desired commitment to change is what I really love to do. My training and experience in trauma therapy allows me to bear witness to extreme pain and suffering with compassion and then assist you in exploring and creating the life and relationships that you prefer to move towards.

I am honored to do the work of holding space for individuals and families as they process through past and ongoing traumatic and distressing experiences. Integrating Trauma and Attachment-Focused Therapies, Play and Art Therapy, Mindfulness, Existentialism, and Psycho-education, I assist clients in healing and growing from what they have experienced in life. We are incredibly resilient and the strength within us sometimes needs a little guidance when we find ourselves in the dark. We will likely look at communication issues, attachment, choosing more effective coping strategies, and finding new ways to make life full and meaningful.

I have nearly 20 years experience identifying the root cause of learning struggles. I provide screenings and full evaluations for all areas of educational disability, including Dyslexia, Autism, and Intellectual Disabilities. Follow up counseling and recommendations help clients maximize learning potential. Knowing how to navigate school resources can be intimidating. Maybe you've already tried and felt defeated by the process. I specialize in helping learners understand their own strengths and weaknesses. Better understanding brings relief and knowledge of how to advocate for appropriate accommodations and services in school and college. I also offer gifted IQ testing and counseling for anxiety in high achieving students.

I believe that we all have the ability to thrive if given the tools and support needed and that deep down everybody has the answers to their problems. I know that therapy is a process that facilitates change and walking along side with a person in their journey of personal growth has been a privilege in my life. I have had the most experience in working with clients that struggle with symptoms of PTSD or have a significant history of trauma. Although, I also work work with anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, relationship problems, substance abuse, difficulties with emotional regulation, self- harm, and personality disorders.

Are you exhausted and overwhelmed? Do you long for better connection with others? Are you filled with worry or regret? Or do you struggle to be content and to care for yourself? I am a relational psychotherapist in my third decade of private practice. I bring a deeply compassionate presence to my work with you and you will come to feel seen and safe and understood in our work together. You will also experience increasing empathy for yourself and your needs. And you will change unhealthy patterns in relationships, with food, alcohol, substances and actions, by making inner shifts leading to behavioral changes.

Life can be difficult, and at times life's challenges may feel impossible. Sometimes things beyond our control can place us in a state of feeling helpless or overwhelmed. This may include loss, trauma, a significant life transition, coping with chronic pain, declining health, or trying to adjust to life's changes. Sometimes it is an expectation that we had that did not turn out the way we expected.

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CHILDREN 5 YEAR AND YOUNGER. OUTDOOR THERAPY SPACE. Are you worried about one of the people that is dearest to you: your child? Puzzled by his or her behavior and at a loss about how to respond to it? Are problems persisting, or struggles getting worse despite all your good efforts and intentions? This might leave you hurt or frustrated. Please know that there is help available. I am here to listen to you and help you and your child get unstuck and move forward: Towards a happier, less stressed life where it will be easier to 'get along.'

If you struggle with anxiety or depression, you know how difficult it can be to cope. Anxiety is easy to recognize. We worry more, avoid difficult situations, and feel tense, awkward, or ineffective. Depression feels exhausting and hopeless. We judge ourselves and other people harshly, feel intense sadness, and become passive. It can feel like we can't do anything right or that things never go our way. Imagine being more active, skilled, and competent, communicating more effectively in relationships, being more productive at work or school, and feeling more satisfied with life.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have years of experience working in a local non-profit specializing in working with children, teenagers and families. I understand the effects of trauma and the importance of attachment in helping people heal from the past and develop happier lives. I have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, P.C.I.T. (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am certified as an Adoption Competent Therapist by TAC (Training for Adoption Competency).

I am taking new clients, please reach out if you are ready for help. Everything that happens in the outside world is uncontrollable, unpredictable and can sometimes feel unmanageable. Whether one is finding challenges within themselves or outside, I am here to help. I work with adolescents, adults and families to help them accomplish their goals. You may already know your goals or we can explore them together through therapeutic process. My approach is individualistic. I apply intervention tactics specific to your needs and your situation. I use real world techniques such as problem solving and mindfulness.

It is my passion to help inspire people to realize their full potential. I believe it doesn’t matter where we come from, but who we want to become. I enjoy empowering others through this journey of self-understanding and growth. My work has included helping individuals, couples and families that suffer with sexual addictions and has encompassed clients mandated by the State of California for psychotherapy. I have seen people in the most difficult circumstances regain hope as they move towards improved health.