Educational & Professional Background
I received my doctorate in 1992 from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University) in Clinical Psychology, and became licensed as a Psychologist in 1999. Prior to that time, I earned two Master’s degrees (from Santa Clara University, and PGSP) in Counseling & Clinical Psychology, and became a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in 1988. I have held many positions in mental health, from 1985 to 1992 and primarily have been a clinician in private practice since 1988. My doctoral research involved conducting an original study on the effects of childhood sexual abuse within a non-clinical sample here in San Mateo County (published, 1991). I have been on the Psychiatric Staff at Peninsula for over 10 years, and have served as an expert witness on trauma-related disorders for the San Mateo County court system. In addition, I have represented Psychology on the Quality Improvement Committee (QIC), at the Mills-Peninsula Medical Group for several years (2007-2009). I am currently an Executive Board Member within the San Mateo County Psychological Association, serving as Treasurer (2 years) and, in the past as Government Affairs Chair (5 years). I am also a member of the California Psychological Association where I have been a Political Action Committee (PAC) Trustee. I also belong American Psychological Association, and the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.
I work from an integrative perspective and rely on a broad range of techniques; including psychodynamic, dialectical behavior therapy, and family systems interventions. As a Psychologist and a Marriage and Family Therapist, I bring certain expertise to our collaboration while you bring self-knowledge, the ability to learn from your life experiences, and a vision of what you want your life to be. I enjoy working with a diverse range of individuals, couples and families.