Offering Therapy In-person in Santa Monica, California, or Online
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #85366), providing psychotherapy to individuals, young adults and groups. My approach is a blend of person-centered (Rogerian) style with somatic psychotherapy. My longstanding meditation and yoga practice also informs my work.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont in 1986 and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University in 1988. I applied my counseling skills in the business world during a long, successful career in Human Resources Information Systems.
During a break from a busy corporate job, I became inspired while attending a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. I came back from the trip feeling revitalized and invigorated, and returned to graduate school and earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.
Therapy for Trauma and Addictions
I specialize in addictions and trauma, and am certified in both Brainspotting and EMDR. I’m a Brainspotting Specialist; Brainspotting is not just a trauma modality, it is highly effective in helping creative professionals enhance their performance. I enjoy using Brainspotting and EMDR to help my clients expand into the lives they truly want for themselves. Many of my clients find that the combination of group therapy and Brainspotting/EMDR helps them discover and change patterns that are no longer serving them.
Early in my career I completed a 2 year training and certification in the NeroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a clinical approach that combines a focus on the nervous system with an exploration and curiosity regarding clients’ thoughts and emotions.
non-pathologizing and somatic approach
My somatic approach to therapy is resource and wellness-oriented, as well as non-pathologizing. The emphasis is on helping my clients re-establish connection to their bodies and to the parts of self that are organized, coherent and functional.
grief counseling
Death is a part of life. I participated in an intensive grief training at Our House Grief Support Center, and I believe in the healing potential of grief work.
aca and dysfunctional family support for adults
I have a passion for working with individuals who are recovering from addiction and those who grew up around addictive and/or mentally ill family members.
MY AREAS OF SPECIALTY INCLUDE:
Grief and Loss
Relationship Issues
Performance Enhancement for Professionals
Depression
Trauma
Addictions
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Anxiety