I am passionate about helping people transform their lives. As a therapist, my goal is to empower my clients with the tools they need to lead a more stable, joyful, and fulfilled life. I believe that we all function our best in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment, and that therapy can give you an open space to address concerns that you might prefer not to discuss elsewhere. I am active in sessions with my clients — I often provide feedback, perspective, and encouragement as you develop greater insight and learn to challenge old patterns that no longer serve you.

I have worked with a variety of adults, adolescents, and couples, and have experience with such issues as: 

Anxiety and depression

Stress management and resiliency

Complex trauma (C-PTSD) and PTSD

Relationship and attachment issues

Creativity and life purpose

Grief and loss 

Narcissistic abuse recovery and adult children of narcissists

Childhood abuse and sexual abuse recovery

LGBTQIA+ affirmative counseling

Giftedness and high intelligence

Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and neurodiversity affirmative counseling  

Perfectionism and procrastination

Perimenopause and menopause

Cancer support and chronic illness

Insomnia

I draw from my knowledge of various therapeutic modalities to create an experience that is tailored to your unique needs. I believe that you are the expert on you, but that I can serve as a guide to help you reframe or reprocess what might stand in your way. I believe it is important to emphasize your own inherent strengths as we work together to help you find a greater sense of resiliency and resourcefulness. Additionally, I am particularly interested in the link between the body and mind, and enjoy teaching my clients practical tools to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Please click here to learn more about my therapeutic approach.

Specialties include:

  • Trauma Recovery, PTSD, and C-PTSD (complex trauma)

  • EMDR Therapy and Somatic Therapies

  • Actors, Musicians, Performers, Writers, Artists, & Creatives

  • Film and Entertainment Industry Professionals

  • Adult Children of Narcissists and Narssistic Abuse Recovery

  • Highly Sensitive People (HSP), Gifted Adults, and Neurodiversity Affirming Counseling

  • Yoga Therapy, Meditation, and Mindfulness

  • Cancer Support

  • Perimenopause and Menopause

Qualifications:

Licensed Psychotherapist & Trauma Specialist

I graduated with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, and have counseled adults, adolescents, and couples at the Center for Individual and Family Counseling, weSPARK Cancer Support Center, Silver Lake Psychology, Gay Therapy Center, as well as in private practice. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of California (LMFT 119218) and an out-of-state telehealth provider in Florida (TPMF1573). I am a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTSI) and I am trained in various trauma healing modalities, including EMDR and TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model).

Certified Yoga Therapist, Author, and Mindfulness Expert

In addition to my counseling work, I am an internationally certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and yoga teacher (E-RYT 500). Since 2001, I have taught yoga, mindfulness, and meditation in a wide variety of settings. I am the author of Mindfulness Workbook for Panic Attacks: Healing Strategies to Manage Anxiety, Reduce Panic, and Live in the Moment, published by Rockridge Press.

I have previously specialized in teaching yoga to cancer patients during and post treatment, and have worked extensively with weSPARK Cancer Support Center and the Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Hospital. I have been a regular guest lecturer for Mission Hills Providence Hospital's Wellness Through Awareness program and have served as an "Ask the Expert" contributor for Quantia MD, an online resource for physicians. Additionally, I worked with patients for five years at the Bella Vita Eating Disorder Clinic, a residential treatment facility. I often work with those who have chronic illnesses (such as Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, & auto-immune disorders), chronic pain, and injuries. My background as a yoga therapist affords me a keen insight into the physiological issues associated with stress, trauma, and anxiety.

Supporting Artists, Performers, and Creatives

Prior to specializing in mental health, I worked for many years as an actor in film and theatre. I understand the pressures of creative work and the professional and emotional complexities that often arise in the entertainment industry. I have a great respect for the creative process and for unique issues that artists, performers, and entertainment industry professionals face while pursuing their dreams and goals. 

Education: 

M.A. Clinical Psychology — Antioch University

Yoga Therapy RX Certification, Levels 1 and 2 — Loyola Marymount University 

B.A. Theatre Arts — Marymount Manhattan College

Theatre and Performance Studies — Richmond College, London, UK

Theatre and Performance Studies — Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute

Additional Certifications and Trainings (partial list): 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy Training, Parts 1 and 2 — Institute for Creative Mindfulness 

TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model) Training, Level 1 — Trauma Resource Institute

Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTSI) Training — Trauma Institute International

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT Web 2.0) — Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Body Based Self Regulation: Introduction to Somatic Techniques in Therapy — Arizona Trauma Institute

An Introduction to Healing with Trauma Informed Yoga — Arizona Trauma Institute

2 Day Trauma Conference: The Body Keeps the Score - Trauma Healing with Bessel van der Kolk, MD

Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 — Gottman Institute

Working With Neurodivergent Clients With Trauma — Arizona Trauma Institute

Certified Menopause Bootcamp Workshop Facilitator — Menopause Bootcamp with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz

Introduction to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy — Polaris Insight Center

Strategies to Increase Patient Engagement with and Adherence to Digital CBT for Insomnia — Stanford School of Medicine

Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga Training — Judith Lasater

Yoga Teacher Training — Yoga West

Professional Memberships: 

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) 

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) 

Boards:

Inner State - Advisory Board Member