Education:

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science/International Relations from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. 

 

Clinical Experience:

I currently work in private practice in Hermosa Beach.   I also provided therapeutic services to clients at Antioch University Counseling Center in Culver City and students at Bright Star Charter School in Los Angeles. 

 

Additional Training:

 

Couples - Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).  EFT is designed to help couples identify and understand the emotions that underlie destructive patterns. For example, hurt or sadness are often expressed as anger and can create further distance between partners instead of the comfort and support that is desired. Through EFT, empathy and compassion become possible and a new way of communicating and connecting can emerge. “Seven out of 10 distressed couples [who seek EFT] show marked improvement, move out of distress and stay there.” (Dr. Lisa Blum, 2011, as published in PsychCentral).  My completed training includes two EFT Externships and all Advanced Training Modules, including advanced workshops on working with couples and trauma.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS is an evidence-based therapy which helps clients access "Self" so that they can heal wounded parts of themselves.  The goal is to live a less reactive and more integrated, self-led life.  It is used with individuals and couples.  

Gestalt Experiential Therapy

This approach is one of the building blocks of EFT and focuses on the individual's awareness of what they are experiencing in the present moment. Past experiences are helpful in understanding current realities, but the emphasis is on derailing old patterns by creating new experiences in the mind and body. This work also focuses on letting go of resistance and truly accepting our unique reality. By doing so, it becomes possible to invite new opportunities for meaningful transformation into our lives. Completed 2 year training with Dr. Allen Berger.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR uses a three pronged protocol (past memories, present disturbance, future actions) with a goal of processing completely the experiences that are causing problems and to include new ones that are needed for full health.  Training through EMDRIA.  

Certified Bioenergetic Therapist

Bioenergetics is a unique and effective psychotherapy that helps resolve emotional issues by engaging the wisdom of the body in a safe and caring relationship with a trained therapist.  It is on the cutting edge of contemporary psychology as rapid advances in neurobiology highlight the intricate relationship between body and mind.  Four year training completed.  

College Counselor

As a therapist, I offer support and guidance to teens as they navigate high school, develop their unique identity and begin to conceptualize life after graduation.  I earned a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA Extension and worked closely with students at DaVinci Design High School in Hawthorne. 

 

Prior Non-Clinical Experience:

I worked in corporate real estate and asset management for over ten years.  That experience provided me with insight into the demands of corporate life, interpersonal relationships in business, effective self-advocacy, work as identity, women's issues in business, work-family balance and the politics of management. 

 

The most profound training and personal growth in my life has come from my own experience as a spouse, mother, daughter, sister and friend. 

 

Licensure Status:

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License No. 101543).  

 

Professional Affiliations:

-Southern California Institute of Bioenergetic Analysis (SCIBA)

-International Institute of Bioenergetic Analysis (IIBA)

-International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy

-Los Angeles Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy

-Psychology Today

​-California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

-South Bay Chapter of CAMFT