Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution-focused, Strengths-based
Therapy Style
With warmth, sincerity, and authenticity, I welcome people who seek to heal wounds of the past and achieve peak levels of performance. I have expertise in the areas of trauma, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC and am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. With many years of experience and scholarship, I have published several ground-breaking books and trained thousands of mental health professionals and educators. I have specific clarity about systems of oppression and their impact on people, especially those belonging to marginalized communities. I empathize, validate, and normalize many common human experiences and aim to decrease pathologizing these experiences. I bring a lighthearted yet clinically sophisticated approach to mental health care, and aim to help you see results in short order. Many patients experience significant transformation in 3-9 months, and notice a profound change in how they approach life. If you've experienced trauma, neglect, invalidation, microaggressions, abuse, assault, or simply feeling anxious and/or depressed, you may be able to heal these experiences by seeking me out for compassionate care.
Education
BA - Psychology, McGil University
MA - Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
PsyD - Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
License Number and State
Pronouns
she/her
Why did you become a mental health professional?
I became a psychologist because I am compassionate, empathic, curious, and invested in collective well-being.
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I remain a life long learner and study the human condition from diverse perspective. I enjoy hiking and reading.
What is one thing you do daily that supports your well-being?
My daily meditation practice supports my mental health and well-being.
What book have you read more than once?
The Empathic Civilization by Jeremy Rifkin has been a "bible" for me to personally and professionally understand the influence of humanity on the global condition and how the environment affects people. Without empathy, humanity and civilization are doomed. Rifkin demonstrates how this came to be and what can be done to promote empathy and human survival.
Favorite organization/non-profit?
GLAD (for GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders of a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation) and GLSEN (for working to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and to prompt LGBT cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools.)
How do you recharge?
Rest, reading, loving my family, hiking, walking, cooking and eating whole foods from the local Farmers Markets, and attending retreats regularly helps me stay rejuvenated and fresh.
