Biography
I am passionate about helping people more deeply connect with their authentic selves. Individualized and culturally-sensitive care includes modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, depth work, somatic psychotherapy, expressive arts, sandplay, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I find that uncovering the emotions and deep motivations which underlie a person’s actions is the key step towards enacting change. By facilitating inner work, I help people discover a clear path forward.
I have served children, teens, and families since 1993 in multiple settings including schools, day camps, community clinics, and private practice. I work with young children using play therapy, sandplay, and expressive arts to address anxieties and behavior problems. Tweens and teens often come with concerns about academic stress, mood, gender exploration, and peer and family difficulties. Adults may come to deepen self-knowledge and explore spiritual growth. Survivors of child abuse find they can arrive at a place where the past loses much of its power in shaping the future. Couples explore ways to reconnect with one another, increasing engagement and intimacy. Families are helped to find ways to interact more harmoniously and to communicate authentically.
I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Anthroposophic Psychotherapy, a form of transpersonal therapy, and I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy. My Ph.D. in Child Psychology is from the University of Minnesota (1993), and I hold both public and Waldorf teaching credentials. I am eager to collaborate to facilitate transformation.
I am member of the California Psychological Association, Contra Costa Psychological Association, Alameda County Psychological Association, International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR International Association, Association for Anthroposophic Psychology, and the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. I am a past member of the American Psychological Association, the Society for Research on Adolescence, and the Society for Research on Child Development. I have published several articles on adolescence, family relations, peer relations, assessment, trauma, and spirituality. I have taught psychology and child development at the university level.