About Me

MY APPROACH

I take a humanistic approach to psychotherapy and counseling. I am flexible in utilizing a variety of theoretical orientations depending upon the client, their personal issues, and communication style.

I incorporate mindfulness and meditation at times.

As a psychotherapist, I believe it is important to remember that everyone’s challenges and concerns are unique to them.   I strive to understand people as individuals, rather than through a specific diagnoses or general labels.

I support the idea that each individual has great freedom in directing his or her own future and resolving past issues as well as a large capacity for achieving personal growth.   I approach psychotherapy holding the belief that with a considerable amount of internal work, self-discovery, communication improvement, and in some cases cognitive behavior modification, one has great potential to achieve a higher level of self-fulfillment and happiness.

MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ALCOHOLISM, EATING DISORDERS, SELF-INJURY

After earning my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, I worked at Phoenix House, a residential chemical dependency treatment center in Lake View Terrace, CA.  I expanded my knowledge, insight and education regarding the challenges individuals, their families and those close to them face when drugs and alcohol take over their lives.  In addition, I also gained valuable experience in working with clients challenged with eating disorders, body image issues and self-harm.  I currently run a weekly eating disorders group at New Directions Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Sherman Oaks, CA.

WORKING WITH MUSICIANS AND BAND MEMBERS

Prior to my career as a psychotherapist, I was a music industry executive at a major record label and in artist management for nearly two decades.   Back then, I worked closely with established as well as new artists of all genres of music by developing their careers through marketing and touring.

Drawing upon my experience and insight from the music industry, I now specialize in providing therapy to bands as a group as well as individual musicians in an effort to help artists improve their professional group dynamics and personal relationships.   I currently work with musicians, artists and bands by effectively combining my firsthand knowledge regarding the challenges musicians face with the valuable education and experience I now have as a Clinical Psychologist.

PARENT EDUCATION

I run weekly Mothers’ Gathering Classes (Mommy & Me groups) at A Mother’s Haven Support Center and Baby Boutique in Encino, California.  Mothers’ Gatherings are education and support groups for moms who are looking for information and friendship.  Not just a baby group, or a class where moms are told how to parent their child, but a place to gather, discuss, and explore the information and tools to determine what fits best for each mother and her child.

TRAINING

I continue my training and education by regularly attending workshops, seminars, and continuing education classes offered by California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, California Society of Addiction Medicine, Center for Discovery, Cross Country Education, The Eating Disorder Center of California, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Southern California Counseling Center.   I also attend a monthly discussion group for psychotherapists working with clients
struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns.

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology,
emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy

Antioch University, Los Angeles

 

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, emphasis in Social Psychology

University of California, Los Angeles

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences - License # MFC 45503
  • Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
  • Member of Los Angeles Chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (LA-CAMFT)
  • Member of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  • Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences - License # LPC 857
  • Member of San Fernando Valley Chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SFV-CAMFT)