About

I’m not your therapist if you want someone who will nod their head and say things like “Ah-Ha” and “Hmm.” In my 35 years as a psychologist, I’ve learned to value the use of basic, clear communication combined with empathy and humor to help normalize what might feel overwhelming and insurmountable. I started with a BA in Fine Arts and found myself teaching at-risk youth. I then took on a job directing a satellite campus in San Miguel d Allende, Mexico. Upon returning to the states, I sought out my MA in Clinical Psychology while working with court-ordered gang members. What better way to learn about trauma and earn my street cred than in that community! My therapeutic approach has included a lot of teaching. It may be powerful to simplify overpowering sensations and what might appear to be confused and contradicting thoughts. To do so, we must first understand how normal and human our actions are, then become more self-aware of our patterns and how to make changes. I prefer being engaged and confrontational in sessions in order to clarify illogical thinking and harmful behavioral and communication habits. I’ve discovered that using scenarios is a useful strategy for grasping therapeutic concepts quickly. Relating life’s difficulties to a common activity like riding a bike might change how we view and respond to disputes.