PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
As a psychologist, I enjoy the process of helping adults rediscover aspects of themselves that may have become buried over time and under the pressures of expectation, responsibility, life challenges, or pains from the past. I believe that individuals and groups, no matter how big or small, function best when there is an appreciation of differences within strong, safe, and supportive connections. I view life struggles as opportunities to understand more about the self, others, and the world around us, and that the goal of therapy is to provide the opportunity to focus on the process of discovering one’s unique composition and to embrace the process of being human. I believe that psychotherapy, first and foremost, is about being real and authentic, and I appreciate the often messy nature of life. I view the process of therapy as one that supports clients in their striving towards a life that is more humanly satisfying and fulfilling.
I work with adults experiencing a broad range of issues and specialize in Adult ADHD, Mood, and Anxiety Disorders. In a style that is engaged, thoughtful, and integrative, I seek to tailor all therapies to fit the style that works for each client (and that is supported through research and solid science whenever possible) while never losing the “human” element. I particularly enjoy helping adults who are seeking help with relationship difficulties (intimate relationships, friendship, parenting, family, workplace), emotional intensity, perfectionism, life overwhelm, effective time management and other executive functioning skills building, worry/anxiety, and sadness. I also have specialized experience working with those who have survived interpersonal traumas in childhood such as childhood physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect.
LICENSE:
Psychologist, State of California, Board of Psychology PSY17572
MODALITIES:
Psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral – including DBT and mindfulness, gender psychology, and interpersonal neurobiology.
WORK/TRAINING EXPERIENCE:
The Pacific Center for HIV/AIDS Psychotherapy and Counseling, West Los Angeles – provided psychotherapy services individuals learning to live with HIV/AIDS – now a part of APLA
Children’s Institute International, Los Angeles – provided psychotherapy services to children and families affected by physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect
Rape Crisis Center, YWCA, Compton provided psychotherapy services for women and men affected by sexual assault
Children and Family Services Center/Edelman Westside Mental Health Center, Department of Mental Health, West Los Angeles provided supervisory and psychotherapy to serve adults, children, and families
Tom Curtis, MD, (Worker’s Compensation), Los Angeles/Ventura/Riverside Counties conducted psychological evaluations for individuals affected by workplace injuries and disability
EDUCATION:
Doctorate (Psy.D.), Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – emphasis in multicultural community mental health (MCCP)
Masters (MA), Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – emphasis in multicultural community mental health (MCCP)
Certificate, Wright Institute of Los Angeles – 2 year advanced psychodynamic and psychoanalytic training (pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship)
Bachelor of the Arts (BA) with Honors, Loyola Marymount University – psychology major
MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS:
American Psychological Association
Division 42 of the American Psychological Association : The Community for Psychologists in Independent Practice
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) : Professional Member
Center for the Study of Women’s Psychology, Los Angeles
Wright Institute Los Angeles Alumni/Alumnae Association
Alpha Sigma Nu