My Approach

Background

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Educational Psychologist and I hold Master Level Degrees in Psychology and in Counseling, School Psychology. I work with children preschool age through adolescence, individual adults, and families dealing with behavioral, emotional, learning, and developmental challenges. I have over 20 years of experience providing educational assessment and behavioral supports in schools. My passion in the school setting now is providing professional development and parent education related to enhancing the social-emotional development of students.

In the private sector, I had the opportunity to provide intensive outpatient treatment to children, teens, and adults in an integrative environment that incorporated yoga and other healing modalities. I have enjoyed teaching Master Level behavior and assessment classes at Brandman University for students attaining their degree in Special Education Teaching. I also completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification training and have taught yoga in studio and private settings.

This range of education and experience is reflected in my work and I consider it a true honor and pleasure to share this with you to support your individual life journey. My approach is grounded in a mind-body, strength-based model focusing on helping you discover your innate capacity to live a life that reflects your inner wisdom.

Methodology

My sessions are informed by a core belief that acceptance, compassion, and sincere empathy are the foundations to stabilizing emotions and making healthy changes in our lives. My work as your therapist is to provide an environment in which you can rediscover and learn to trust the wisdom of your inner voice.  

Our sessions move beyond “talk therapy” approaches. Yoga and somatic training have taught me the essential need to quiet the mind and attune to the wisdom of the body. I bring mindfulness practices including meditation and breathwork to each session, as a means of regulating emotions, noticing trigger spots, and supporting you in making skillful and mindful life choices.

Please contact me for a free phone consultation to explore how I can assist you in this work.

Licenses, Education, Credentials

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #100286
Licensed Educational Psychologist, #2765
Master of Arts, Psychology, Saybrook University (2014)
Autism Spectrum Disorder, 9-Unit Program, University of California Davis Extension (2007)
Master of Science, Counseling, School Psychology, California State University, Sacramento (1996)
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, School Psychology, California State University, Sacramento (1995)
Bachelor of Arts, Social Sciences, Minor in Sociology, University of California Irvine (1989)

Clinical Certifications and Continuing Education

Trauma-Informed Education
Addiction, Trauma, & Adverse Childhood Experiences
On Grief & Grieving
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Law and Ethics
PTSD and Complex PTSD, Ways to Bolster Resilience
Overcoming Trauma-Related Shame and Self-Loathing
Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Children and Adolescents
Trauma, Attachment, & Neuroscience, New Psychotherapeutic Treatments
Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents
Practice-Based Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training

Professional Affiliations

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT), Clinical Member

Rediscover and learn to trust the wisdom of your inner voice.