I am a developmental lifespan California-licensed mental health clinician, providing mental health services since 1995. I work with a broad range of ages. Through many years in my professional role and actively witnessing others’ healing and transformation, I have acquired a great deal of wisdom and insight, which I integrate into my daily work as an effective clinician.
I believe we are all in this life to feel good about who we are and what we contribute to family, community, and the world. We all have distinct parts of ourselves that make us special individuals. There is no need to measure oneself against another. We each get to contribute in our own way. Our personal value is unique, and this is meant to be so. Both our uniqueness and our similarities connect us, heal us, and inspire us to create a life well lived. The ability to develop into the best version of ourselves and to step into our unlimited potential and possibility come through acknowledging and making sense of the things that feel uncomfortable, unreasonable, or unbearable. It takes courage to delve deep and to gain insight into how we show up or where and why we don’t show up. With courage, compassion, and exploration, we are able to heal and grow into who we were meant to become.
By establishing a safe, secure, and supportive environment, the wounds of our past can be healed. I have seen worries and sadness transform into new awareness, energy, compassion, and joy! Witnessing the power of human resilience is an outstanding and inspiring experience. I hold great appreciation for this unique nature in human beings and for the trust extended to me in the healing process of those I serve.
Specializations and Advanced Training
EMDR Trauma Specialist, Certified by EMDRIA
EMDR Child Therapy Specialist, Ana Gomez, Agate Institute
Super Resourcing: An Integrated Protocol for Healing Attachment Wounds, Alison Teal
The Flash Technique, Dr. Phil Manfield
Advanced Attachment Focused EMDR, Parnell Institute
Transforming Trauma with EMDR, Parnell Institute
The Atlas Program Redesign Graduate
Adults - depression, anxiety, healing trauma, adverse childhood experiences
Child Therapy - Multimodal Approach to EMDR Therapy for Children - Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Expressive Arts, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness, Somatic Therapies, Parent-Child Interventions - childhood trauma, attachment disruption, adoption, anxiety, and childhood depression
Adolescents - depression, trauma, bullying, suicide ideation, and generalized anxiety
Working through a culturally sensitive lens with diverse families and communities.
Education
• California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Masters of Arts Degree, Clinical Psychology
• Bachelors of Science Degree, Psychology
Publications and Presentations
• Awakening the Child Within, Case Presentation, WestCoast Children’s Clinic - Oakland, 2009
• A Boy Without a Home, Case Presentation, WestCoast Children’s Clinic - Oakland, 2005
• The Children’s VIP Program: A Victimization, Intervention and Prevention Curricula - Published 1996
Treatment Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
EMDR
Emotionally Focused
Trauma Informed Care
Expressive Arts
Play Therapy
Sandplay
Psychodynamic
Relational Therapy
Family Systems
Feminist Theory
Strength-Based
Clinical Consultation
Culturally Informed
Clinical Issues
Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks
Depression, Sadness, Hopelessness
Stress Reduction, Coping skills
Spiritual Development, Meditation
Impact of Divorce: Adults & Children
Attachment Disruptions
Family Conflict
Acculturation
Generational Trauma
Grief Healing
Self-confidence, Self Esteem, Self Image
Self-Harm, Cutting, Bruising
Suicidal Ideation
Sexual Assault/Rape
History of Child Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse, Child Neglect
Women’s issues including:
- Perinatal/Postpartum Depression
- PMDD
- Menopause
Populations
I work with children, adolescents, and adults of diverse cultures, ethnicities, skin colors, identities, and orientations.
Professional Associations
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT)
California Society for Clinical Social Work (CSCSW)
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA)