"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." Carl Rogers
Welcome to my practice!
I am offering sessions both in person and virtually.
On the road to your best and brightest self, it is expected you will take some new turns and unfamiliar routes. I am here to assist you on your journey. Maybe you need help listening to your internal compass and clarifying your direction... or maybe I can help you clear obstacles from your path. Whatever it is, a new adventure awaits. Let's go!
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Southern California
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Southern California
Diplomate in Comprehensive Energy Psychology, ACEP
I have been a therapist since 1989, when I started working as a counselor in a drug treatment program outside of Boston. I fell in love with the work and continued to work in treatment programs (in Compton and Long Beach) while I went on to graduate school.
I have been fortunate enough to work in diverse settings that taught me about many different cultures, perspectives, and afflictions. Besides working in drug treatment, I have worked at college counseling centers (Caltech, Mt. Saint Mary's University, University of Southern California, and Emory University), and in private offices (Santa Monica, Brentwood, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, El Segundo, and West Hollywood). I have been working independently as a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice since 2001.
My clinical specialties are anxiety, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, depression, relationship issues, energy psychology, and spirituality. I only work with adults and generally do not provide couples or family therapy.
I earned my Diplomate in Comprehensive Energy Psychology in 2017, through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP). My training was approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). Read more about energy work and why I use it in the next section.
Integrating Experience, Deep Listening, and Intuition
MY APPROACH
I integrate psychodynamic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral theories. In practice, this means I encourage the exploration of the origins of an issue as well as help identify practical solutions to address it. I also consider how sociocultural factors and intersectionality may be involved in a client's life experiences. I listen deeply to help clarify obstacles, conflicts, and patterns that are getting in the way of progress and fulfillment.
My intuition gets stronger every year that I practice. For me, clinical intuition is about being very present, engaged, and aware of the larger context as much as the details. Intuition is an invaluable tool when combined with experience.
Energy Psychology and How I Use It In My Practice
Comprehensive Energy Psychology (CEP) uses the subtle energy systems of the body to effect emotional and psychological change. Clients are treated using meridians from Chinese medicine as well as two other energy systems, the biofield and the chakras. During an energy session, the client is guided to tap on or otherwise work with certain energy centers in the body that are pertinent to the client's treatment needs.
Energy work is especially effective for people who are struggling with anxiety, phobias, trauma, and self-limiting beliefs. It is empirically validated and was recently approved by the Veteran's Administration to treat PTSD. (If you are interested in the current research on energy psychology, click on the button below.) In addition, I have used it to reduce chronic pain like TMJ and headaches. I have also used it with athletes and artistic performers to prepare for and enhance performance.
Energy psychology is one of the most effective treatments for phobias, which can often be significantly reduced or even eliminated in short term therapy. While a series of 90 minute sessions may be necessary to successfully treat complicated issues such as complex trauma, a few minutes of energy work can result in clients feeling calmer, clearer, and more centered. It is used by many of my clients as an adjunct to their talk therapy sessions.
I do not practice energy work with every client. It is always a mutual decision based on the interest of the client and appropriateness for the issue at hand. Some of my clients and I have only done talk therapy together.
SERVICES
Three Ways I May Assist You:
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Individual adult psychotherapy using talk and/or energy psychology methods to explore the origins of an issue, implement strategies to address it, and improve overall quality of life.
CONSULTATION
Consultation to provide clinical opinion, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations in areas of expertise. Consultation can be provided to a group or family, if appropriate.
ENERGY GROUPS
Energy psychology groups for companies, teams, classes, and events that address a shared goal, such as anxiety relief, the processing of loss and trauma, or performance enhancement.
For psychotherapy and some types of consultation, your insurance can be billed if you have out of network coverage. Some appointments are available on a sliding scale (ask me if you think you might qualify) and some are reserved for clients who pay a reduced fee (i.e., students and low income).
CONTACT ME
Please call me to schedule an appointment. Open for in person, video, and phone appointments.
310-279-2354
Office:
8271 Melrose Avenue, Suite 110
Los Angeles, Ca 90046
Email: