Who am I?
I have been a licensed Psychologist in the State of California for over a decade. I received my Masters Degree and PhD from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto. I came to psychology in mid-life after years in the high-tech world; and after 5 years as a bodyworker and breathworker led me towards an increasing curiosity about, and understanding of, the significance of the mind and our psychology in our overall well-being. I currently live on the peninsula with my family and dogs and enjoy spectator sports, swimming, sailing and other water activities in my spare time.
My Training
In addition to my primary clinical training, my additional areas of study during my graduate training years, were cultural-psychology, peace psychology, and transpersonal psychology. My dissertation research focused on the qualities that enable spiritually oriented peace activists working in cross-cultural settings to succeed. This project required world travel and I received awards for my work through the American Psychological Association. After my doctorate training was completed, I continued to receive training in LGBT issues, Existential-Humanistic Psychology, trauma symptom reduction techniques, and new advances in the field of interpersonal neurobiology, among others.
Modalities Practiced:
- Psychodynamic – Understanding the relational and developmental history of personal challenges and how it has impacted behavior and the way our mind and psyche developed and work today
- Relational – Creating a therapy relationship where my emotional, psychological and clinical presence with you as another human being is a central part of how healing occurs
- Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy – Making space to talk about the deeper meaning and reality of different choices and challenges
- Mindfulness Practices – Learning skills to help manage our nervous systems, develop stress tolerance and strengthen your inner awareness of your mental and emotional patterns
- Behavioral – Concrete practices to help with challenges. For example, discussing Sleep Hygiene if needed
- Trauma Based – Exploring and understanding the impact of past or current traumas on how our embodied nervous system and brain’s function
- Attachment informed – Exploring how our early developmental history, including how our interactions with primary care givers contributed to our psychological and emotional development
- Identity Exploration – Including exploring spiritual, sexual, gender, etc aspects of our identity
- Testing services – ADHD/ADD, Executive Functioning, General Diagnostic, ASD screening