About

About Me

I love people and always have. My closest friends say that I have always been a therapist even before I made it my profession. In California, I am a licensed MFT (#80446).

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Stanford University

  • MBA, Yale University

  • Mom-BA, My Kids

  • MA in Counseling Psychology, The Wright Institute.

There are many theories and modalities in which I have training, including: Psychodynamic, Control Mastery Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Family Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I am EMDR-trained. I stay current through workshops, seminars, professional literature and fully embracing life. 

At Stanford University, I work part-time in the Faculty Staff Help Center providing short-term therapy to employees of the university and Stanford hospitals.

Earlier at Stanford, I was part of a team who implemented a family-focused protocol for a research study of kids at risk for bipolar disease.

I speak a smattering of Spanish, German and a bit more Italian.

Professional Focus

I am particularly successful working with people who feel stuck, who may feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by decisions, and those who are perplexed by anxiety or depression. This may manifest as feelings of dread, or ongoing difficulty getting things done, or a sense that you'd like to be happier, more content, or secure feeling.

I have particular skill, tenderness and training working with those with underlying trauma.  Trauma ranges from having an abusive family member, a demeaning teacher, having fallen prey to bullying or being the bully, experiencing divorce. Or it could be a one-time traumatic event such as an assault, or accident.

With young adults who are struggling with the “what next?” question we collaborate to overcome their obstacles, recognize their goals and take steps toward a new phase of their lives. 

It seems inevitable regardless of the presenting issue, that for my clients who are parents regardless of the age or proximity of their children, the parent/child relationship plays a central role in our work. I have great empathy for the poignancy of feelings, fears and frustrations of this primal role. We roll up our sleeves to work through the binds and bonds that create such havoc, shame, and joy.

Recently, I’ve co-designed and co-facilitated groups to improve participants’ confidence and skills when having conversations grappling with the “isms” (ie. racism, sexism, etc.).