Qualifications & Background

I am a licensed Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) with two master’s in clinical and counseling psychology, as well as a doctorate (Ph.D) in Clinical Psychology. I am also an EMDR Certified Practitioner and have been awarded an Advanced Certificate in Complex Trauma & Dissociation.

My education and specialized training have provided me with a broad foundation for working with individuals, couples, and families, particularly those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship difficulties.

Since 1988, I have had the privilege of working with adults and adolescents throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, helping them address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and relationship difficulties. After more than 30 years of practice on the San Francisco Peninsula, I am now providing psychotherapy services in Sonoma, just north of San Francisco.

I approach my work with integrity, authenticity, and respect. My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship in which you feel understood, supported, and comfortable exploring the experiences and patterns that may be affecting your life. Together, we can look for new perspectives and develop ways to create meaningful and lasting change.

My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from a broad range of therapeutic methods depending on the individual needs and goals of each patient. My training and experience include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), psychodynamic therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed approaches, hypnotherapy, and family systems therapy. I also incorporate the Gottman Method when working with couples.

Over the course of my career, I have developed particular experience and expertise in the treatment of traumatic stress, addiction, and other mental health concerns. My continuing education and varied clinical training allow me to draw from different therapeutic approaches and tailor our work to the person sitting across from me.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.”

— Carl Jung

Other Psychology experience

CERTIFIED in EYE MOVEMENT, DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING (EMDR)

EMDRIA

TRAINED IN HYPNOTHERAPY

Santa Clara University

Testified as an expert witness on trauma-related disorders for the San Mateo County court system

& provided expert testimony for legal practices in Sonoma & San Mateo Counties

Clinical Consultation Group Member with Dr. Stephanie Brown

The Addictions Institute ( 2000–2010)

Authored an original DISSERTATION study on the prevalence rates and effects of childhood sexual abuse in San Mateo County (1992)

Doctoral Internship completed at the San Francisco VAMC, PTSD & Health Psychology Units (1991)

EMDR Certified

An Eye-Movement, Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist has engaged in at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR Consultant for EMDR and has practiced their skills with at least 25 different clients in at least 50 EMDR sessions. An EMDR Certified Therapist has voluntarily met standards of consultation, clinical practice, and continuing education to provide EMDR therapy. An EMDR Certified Therapist is committed to fulfill ethical standards and is engaged in continuing education. To maintain this certification, a therapist must continue to satisfy the EMDRIA requirement including completion of continuing education requirements and adherence to ethical standards.

Additional EMDR Resources

EMDR Institute
EMDR International Association
EMDR-Humanitarian Assistance Programs

Please contact me for more information.