About Me

Therapeutic Approach

I believe that my role as your counselor is to help you identify your strengths, to examine self-defeating behaviors, and to uncover obstacles that are in the way of achieving your goals.  I’m straight-talking, warm and friendly, and good-humored (when appropriate). I encourage free speech, and I will treat with interest and respect all your questions, comments, or criticisms—including angry ones.  I will see you as an intelligent, collaborative partner in the therapeutic process.  As an objective outsider, I can offer a safe space where you can be free to talk honestly about what you are really thinking and feeling. I want to help you find out what is best for you and your future.

I am an active participant in the therapeutic process; I strive to understand your problem and to provide guidance and feedback.   I will not just sit back and nod my head. I am an active participant in the therapeutic process; I strive to understand your problem and to provide guidance and feedback.

Although I may explore your family background, my focus is on how to deal with your current issues rather than just on insight into how you developed them.  I do not believe that we are prisoners of our childhood. However, these early experiences shape what feels like love and who you need to be in order to be loved.

Professional Qualifications

I believe that therapy should be about you, the Client.  But, you also have the right to know about your therapist’s qualifications.  I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the State of California (license number #40947).  I am a Clinical Member of both the California Association of Marriage Family Therapists and the American Association of Marriage Family Therapists. I’ve been helping people improve their lives and relationships as a therapist since 2001.

I graduated in 1993 from Cornell University with my BS in Labor Relations.   I worked in a variety of administrative and management positions.  I had bosses, co-workers, employees, deadlines, and paperwork.  Believe me, I understand work place stress.  As a former boss and senior human resource manager, I have a unique perspective on why people get both hired and fired.

In 2001, I earned my Master of Arts in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute.  My training covered all areas of psychotherapy but centered on relationship dynamics.  Most of my clients come to see me because they are having problems at work, coping with depression, having feelings of overwhelming anxiety, or are worried about their relationship.

I am a pro-marriage/domestic partner therapist.  What does that mean?  It means that I actively try to help your marriage/domestic partnership and will communicate hope that you solve your marital problems.  I am not neutral.  I want you to work out your problems and keep your partnership intact.  I assume that if you have chosen me as a counselor you hope it works out too.  Sound simple?  You would be surprised!  Be sure to ask any potential relationship therapist her position on this issue.

On a personal note: I am the mother of two sons under the age of 5.   I have been in the same loving relationship for over 15 years.  I understand that even the best relationships take work.