"Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded.  

It is a relationship between two equals.” -Pema Chodron

Working Style

My working style is warm, empathic, and focused on client strengths. My approach is integrative which means that I use a variety of techniques based on my client’s needs and the goals that we set.  My clients (or someone they love) have general mental health issues or have current issues with trauma, caregiving, parenting, relationship, grief and loss, anxiety, and depression.

Training & Technique

I completed my doctorate at the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University) in Palo Alto, California.  My research focused on the Healing Presence of the therapist in the psychotherapeutic relationship.  From the University of Arizona, I received a master’s degree in Art Therapy and a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art.  Techniques I have studied include mindfulness, Focusing, somatic psychotherapy,  Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and Mindful Self-Compassion.

Experience

Over the years, I have worked with many populations: developmentally disabled children and their families; children with behavioral issues; children and families in foster care and kinship adoptions; in-patient adolescent girls; battered women, and children; children, adults, and families experiencing grief and loss.  In private practice I work with a wide range of clients experiencing relationship issues, trauma and family of origin issues, situational depression and anxiety, and parenting issues.

Will we be a good fit?

People sometimes ask how to choose a therapist. You need to feel that you’re really being listened to by someone who values you. You will want to feel “seen” and “heard,” without agenda or manipulation, which may be a new experience.  What is reflected back to you should feel like it fits and like you are headed in the right direction.