About Me

A desire to better understand human life experiences, coupled with witnessing the healing process first hand, aided in the decision to devote myself to a career as a therapist. I have worked in the counseling field for the past 22 years. I have been in private practice for 14 years. I utilize a Neurobiological, attachment theory approach.

My background includes drug and alcohol counseling, parent consultation, behavioral therapy for children with special needs or difficult behaviors, couples therapy, premarital therapy and individual adult therapy.

I believe in happy, positive, lifelong relationships. Whether you are an individual adult seeking support or a couple that needs to re-kindle your love, together we can explore your struggles, gain insight and create change. The purpose of psychotherapy is to find a confidential, non-judgmental place to talk about sensitive issues.

My ultimate goal is to offer a safe, therapeutic environment, which allows the opportunity to explore your own life and create room for healing. By allowing this space, I believe individuals can begin to develop a greater understanding of themselves and ultimately find a happier existence.

 

Credentials and affiliates:

Psychobiological Approach To Couple Therapy, Level II Trained

Psychobiological Approach To Couple Therapy, Level II Trained

Board of Behavioral Sciences, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #43164

Board of Behavioral Sciences, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #43164

California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, Clinical Member

California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, Clinical Member

Educational Background

  • Sonoma State University- BA Psychology, May 1998
  • Sonoma State University- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, May 2002

Experience

  • 5 years as a residential treatment counselor for children ages 7-17.
  • Drug and alcohol counselor for Sonoma County Developmental Corporation for 2 years.
  • Para-educator for 4 years at Behavioral Counseling and Research Center working in the school setting for
    children diagnosed with Autism, ADD, ADHD, SED, depression and a variety of developmental delays.
  • 8 years as a behavioral consultant at Behavioral Counseling and Research Center for families and children in the school and home environments. These children have a variety of diagnoses including: Autism, ADD, ADHD, SED, CP, Depression and other developmental delays. Attended IEP meetings, conducted Functional Analysis Assessment, wrote Positive Behavior Support Plans.
  • 1 year Marriage and family therapy intern at SSU Community Counseling Center.
  • 2 years Marriage and family therapy intern in private practice under supervision of Mark Doolittle.
  • 2006 Licensed Marriage and family therapist in Private Practice

Workshop and Training’s

  • Dr. Carl Schrader: Applied Behavioral Analysis (1998)
  • Mark Levine M.S. B.C.B.A. L.P.C. N.C.C: Teaching children with Autism (2000)
  • Dr. Carl Schrader: Assessment and behavior intervention plan development (2001)
  • Dr. Dean J.M. Mooney presented by Dr. James Loomis: Social Skills Training (2003)
  • Prepare/enrich program training (2006)
  • Dr. Carl Schrader: Assessment and behavior intervention plan development (2007)
  • Smart Marriages 12th annual happy families conference (2008)
  • Summit Eating Disorder 7th annual conference (2009)
  • The Art and Science of Love Couples Workshop. (Gottman method, couples therapy) (2010)
  • Theory & Techniques of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing – Part I & II. Phil Manfield, PhD (2011)
  • PACT Level I training in 2014 and PACT level II training in 2015 with Stan Tatkin.

Special Interests

  • Adult individual therapy
  • Couples therapy
  • Premarital therapy or preparing for marriage
  • Children (behavioral/special needs)
  • Parent education
  • EMDR