I have Masters degrees in Social Psychology and a Masters degree in Business Administration and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT #31203), since 1993.

Through the years, I have worked with individuals, couples and families in a variety of treatment settings, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, non-profit agency, social service, and private practice.  I have treated clients ranging  from those striving to increase their personal satisfaction and quality of life to those struggling with psychosis coupled with chemical dependency and suicidal/homicidal thoughts and behaviors. Based on my experience working with clients, I find most individuals enter therapy to address feelings of grief/loss, anxiety, depression, emptiness and life transitions, while most couples seek out therapy to resolve communication concerns, recurring conflict, emotional disconnection and a breach of trust.

When personal struggles begin to affect the workplace, I draw on my experience supporting executives, administrators, managers, and supervisors to help identify how these challenges influence professional performance, leadership effectiveness, and career advancement opportunities—and to develop strategies for addressing them effectively.

Additionally, I have extensive training and experience in crisis management and trauma. I  have worked as a Clinical Supervisor at Crisis Support Services, formerly known as Suicide Prevention of Alameda County and trained therapist on crisis intervention and management.  I currently provide consultation to other therapists, who want to refine their clinical skills or need assistance in knowing how best to work with a specific client presenting with high end needs.

Other work experience includes extensive work in public child welfare. I have managed Alameda County's hotline, emergency response and after hours programs; further, I have worked as a consultant to the federal government at the state level to improve safety, permanency and well being outcomes for children and families. 

Philosophically, I believe an emotionally healthy individual experiences strength and balance in the following areas:

• Makes and keeps commitments
• Experiences a wide range of deep feelings
• Expects entitlements without being self-absorbed or self-sacrificing
• Feels close to others without feeling engulfed or consumed
• Spends time alone without feeling despair or abandonment
• Acknowledges personal achievements and strengths
• Soothes painful feelings without the overuse or restriction of food
• Expresses creativity of mind and demonstrates creativity through self-expression
• Identifies individual needs, dreams, and goals and comfortably asserts them
• Experiences a solid, secure sense of self even during turbulent times

While some people may struggle in one or more areas, balance can be developed or restored by understanding how an individual chooses, forms, and maintains relationships, and by examining the underlying beliefs and assumptions motivating those choices.

Associations

• CAMFT
• NASW
• PINC