I have worked as a mental health professional since 1993, first licensed in Florida in 1997, then in California in 2010 and beginning private practices in each state at those times. My clinical skills have been shaped by experience in community and private health organizations as well as private practice.
I received my master’s from the University of Central Florida. My pre-licensure training was with the chronically mentally ill, followed by seven years in community mental health with clients having diverse diagnoses and severity. My niche and passion became working with women with trauma backgrounds.
After relocating to this area, my scope of practice broadened to include women in recovery from chemical dependence, the frequent successor of trauma. I worked for eight years at Marin Services for Women, a residential program treating addictions, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. I have also worked at Bayside Marin and counsel offenders in the DUI program at Bay Area Community Resources.
In my private practice, I work with women with co-occurring disorders—trauma, addictions, mood disorders, and relationship difficulties. My work draws upon cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems theories. Sessions are individual and in person, with supportive phone counseling and significant others included when appropriate. I strive to provide a safe, authentic environment where my clients can learn new skills, and experience growth, insight and positive change. Over the past 23 years I’ve been fortunate to have worked with hundreds of clients. I find my work deeply rewarding and am very grateful to have it.