The focus of my practice is to facilitate the client's self-concept and self-esteem. Issues include anger management; addictions; depression; sexual assault/domestic violence; PTSD; career counseling; and multicultural and diverse populations, among others.
I’m a board certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and also a board certified Adult Psychiatrist, seeing young children, teenagers, and adults. In general, my approach is to listen carefully, empathetically, to try to understand your situation as well, thoroughly as possible, and then work with you to develop a safe and effective treatment plan in a supportive environment. I believe a comprehensive plan is best, and not to rely solely on medications, although medications can certainly be very helpful in many situations. The goal is to help you with your problems, relieve distress, and thus improve your quality of life.
I have been trained in a variety of modalities therefore I'm able to approach every client according to their unique situation and experiences. I have a track record of reducing the symptoms of trauma. This helps you lighten the load so you can approach daily life stressors with more ease.
My educational background includes my current PhD program in Depth Psychology. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and was the clinical director of 6 detox & residential facilities including LifeSync Malibu, Rebos Detox, A Giving Tree, Hollywood Recovery Center, New Spirit Recovery, and Phase 2 ATC in Encino. I was the first to create LifeSync Malibu addiction residential program.
Clients often comment on my intuition and presence with them. As a therapist who focuses on building authentic relationships, it is one of my strengths. We all need to be seen, heard, and understood. It is an honor to share my clients' experiences with them and go on this therapeutic journey together. Rooted in knowledge and experience, I support healing and growth while guiding clients toward a more whole and compassionate sense of self.
As a feminist therapist, I help examine stressors experienced as a result of biases, oppression and discrimination. I love working with folks who want to dig deep into the disconnects they’re experiencing: where stress, anxiety, or overwhelm is causing them to feel out of balance. I will give you the tools to take control of your life and uncover who you truly are, so you can resurface empowered and confident and live authentically.
For over 30 years, I have brought expertise, creativity, enthusiasm, and positive change to individuals and couples I have worked with. To achieve personal goals, effective therapy must bring integration of the physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions of our functioning.
The best gifts you can give, are deeper relationships with yourself and others. When depression, anxiety, trauma or grief interfere with your life, your relationships may suffer internally and externally. If your life seems chaotic or lacks meaning it can be daunting to deal with these on your own. Together we can deal with these challenges. The courage to ask for help and enter into a therapeutic relationship is a powerful first step. It empowers you to discover your essence and begin to find meaning and purpose in your life. It takes courage to ask for help. These are challenging times with this pandemic. I want to create a safe haven for you to express your desires and needs.
I have worked over 30 years in health care with adults who are physically and mentally challenged. I have facilitated groups using SoulCollage® and journaling to help people connect with deeper parts of themselves. My professional and life experiences have allowed me to understand and nurture those gifts that lie deep within each of us. It is these gifts which define your essence and provide meaning to your life.
There is a reason why we encounter particular challenges in life. Our experiences feed and deplete our soul, then inform how we respond to ourselves and others. Those events get seared into our brain and set the stage for what we do next. All of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, feeding into one another.
I often work with creative and ambitious people living with sadness or anxiety. Thinking big and taking on complex projects is the life blood and identity for many creative people. While others might look on from the outside and comment on how exciting it looks, these endeavors often lend themselves to problems like imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and existential questions.
But you are not your productivity. Through my collaborative approach, we will use therapy to explore your ideas, thoughts, and emotions. Let’s work together to find the you that you want to be, and figure out how to lead a purposeful and fulfilled life in this world.
Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Individual, Marriage, and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Creating lasting change is hard but you don't have to figure it out alone. After our first session, we will have a clear plan for our work together and identify practical ways to start moving forward. I bring nearly 10 years of mental health experience to our work together and am always engaged in ongoing continuing education. Whether you're looking for individual or couple's therapy, there are options to improve your situation and meet your needs.
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in an addiction to alcohol and Adderall. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave a successful business in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that everyone can change and grow at any time in their lives. I don't believe that there is a limit to human capacity. I believe we are all deserving of unconditional love. I hold the hope for my clients when they are drowning in hopelessness. I approach my life and my work through a feminist, anti-oppression, anti-racist, and body-positive perspective. I am passionate about animal rescue and shelter pets. If any of this resonates with you, please shoot me a message and let's find a time to connect.
34 Years Experience
