My theoretical approach is primarily psychodynamic aimed at providing insight and understanding for the client regarding their current situation, options, and actions.  I also draw from cognitive-behavioral theory in order to elucidate the connection between an individual’s thinking and concurrent behavior.  Having studied Mindfulness and Buddhism, I draw from these contemplative practices the need for compassion towards self and others, acceptance of the present moment, and the need for internal calm and peace regardless of external chaos.  Finally, the therapist’s recognition of the many strengths and resources an individual brings into the therapy room facilitates the client’s sense of empowerment and capability.  Patience and a sense of humor can also bring about positive change.

My theoretical orientation is primarily psychodynamic, family systems and cognitive-behavioral, however, as my practice has evolved over the past 14 years, I have merged the contemplative teachings from Buddhism and Yoga, specifically focusing on the practices of mindfulness, compassion and forgiveness.  In Sanskrit, the word “ahimsa” means non-violence to others and also to self this term figures prominently in both Buddhist and Yoga Psychologies.  Non-violence to others can mean literally not abusing others but also releasing judgment of others or a variety of steps in between the two extremes.  Non-violence to self can encompass poor choices that harm an individual physically and/or mentally, allowing stress and anxiety to overwhelm an individual, punishing oneself through self blame or harsh criticism or different forms of physically abusive practices.  Both of these contemplative practices allow for a softening of harsh and overly critical tendencies. 

Prior to my career as a therapist, I received my M.S. in Education from USC in 1991.  I taught English/ESL in Junior High in the inner city and Mid- Wilshire district for four years as a fully credentialed teacher.  During this time, I learned a great deal about different cultures and the impact of immigrant status and poverty on the lives of families.  As a teacher, I elected to join the federally funded IMPACT program that trained educators in group therapy.  I began running groups for children who were gang affiliated, witnesses to violence, and low achievers.  While I loved teaching, I discovered my passion for psychology and working with groups and individuals during this time.

After realizing my career goal to become a therapist, I earned an M.A. in Psychological Services from Marymount University in Arlington, VA.  As a new therapist, I was interested in obtaining as much diverse work experience as possible.  In Virginia, I worked as a job coach/employment coordinator for individuals diagnosed with chronic mental illness, as an in-home therapist in the field of Family Preservation, and as a therapist in the Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center. I enjoyed the breadth of experience I gained during this time, and I became committed to furthering my education.  I continued my work as a master’s level clinician for three years and then decided to return to school, again, for my doctorate in clinical psychology.

During my time at Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, N.H., I continued to work in the field of Family Preservation working for the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children.  I also had placements through my school that allowed me to work in many different outpatient clinics working with a variety of individuals, couples, and groups.  As well, I was able to blend much of my experience as a teacher with that of a therapist and consult with parents on how to have their children receive additional services through the school system.  I enjoyed working with school personnel and parents to have children placed in appropriate settings where the needs of the child were being met.  My pre-doctoral internship was completed at St. John’s Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, CA where I worked with children from the age of 2 to young adults.  I did intensive work with families and couples as well.  My postdoctoral work was completed at Verdugo Mental Health in Glendale, CA where I worked in the CalWORKS Program that is a state run program for parents with children who receive public assistance.  I have also worked at the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica, CA as a coordinator for a sexual harassment reduction program aimed at the middle school population and as a therapist for victims of rape.  As well, I worked as a supervisor and group leader for Community Outreach and Partners in Education (COPE), a collaborative that provided UCLA pre-med students an opportunity to mentor at-risk youth.

As a therapist, I believe that the answers to client questions/difficulties are within the client themselves, and that time/life/culture has a way of obscuring these individual answers.  My primary objective is to help the client find the appropriate response to his/her difficulties and not a response that comes from the latest book or a certain theory.  As well, I believe that acknowledging and supporting the strengths and competencies of a client can help to dilute and reconfigure long-standing problems.  The installation of hope for relief from suffering, resolution of a problem, or change over time is also an essential piece of the therapeutic process and an idea in which I believe strongly.  Therapy provides a place for an individual to begin a form of introspection that is unique and can provide for significant and long-lasting, positive, change.