About

I've worked as a social worker since the mid 1990s, first as an MSW degreed social worker, then as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past nearly 10 years.

I earned my Master in Social Work from San Diego State University, and proceeded to work as a social worker with the County of San Diego in Child Welfare. Much of my tenure as a protective services worker within CPS was spent working with severely emotionally disturbed youth, primarily teens, in various levels of care.

After a long, rewarding career in the public sector, I decided to branch out into purely clinical social work within such organizations as non profit agencies in crisis houses, where adults were stepping down from inpatient hospitalization for mental health and/or substance use issues. I've also worked within insurance agencies with patients requiring inpatient hospitalization, or outpatient treatment at varying levels of care and treatment.

Finally, I've managed my private practice since 2013, and find it to be ever fascinating, rewarding, challenging, and inspiring. In the capacity of a psychotherapist, I've provided therapy with individuals, couples, families, and groups, with a significant focus in adult individuals. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my primary focus of treatment is Family Systems and Social Theory. I believe very strongly that one cannot remove a person from their family, culture, community, or, even their environment, as each impacts and acts on the other. Primary treatment methods are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). And, of course, like most therapists, I find that an "eclectic" approach is often best, as it allows one to draw features of any number of treatment theories and modalities.

Areas are, however, of primary interest to me, as follows:

Native American Culture, Associated Transracial Adoption and Acculturation Issues, and Individuals and Families impacted by Severe Mental Illness.

I have worked with the Native American population after receiving my Master in Social Work both as a social worker and as a therapist. Additionally, I, myself, have Native American heritage. As an Indian baby born before 1978, when the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) came into being, I have an intimate knowledge and a highly personal understanding of the impact of being Native American, but raised white within a white culture. I have struggled all these years to connect to my "roots," and have experienced difficulties, as I may "look" like a Native American physically, but I think and feel like a white person. I, too, understand what it is to be an "apple," i.e., white on the inside, red on the outside, and how hurtful it can be to lose your true self. Let's take the journey together.

And, an area of endless interest and fascination is helping families who are impact by a family member with a serious mental illness. It can be so frightening when a member of your family is diagnosed with a mental health condition, and navigating the “waters” of treatment, how to manage symptoms, and, even how to interact with that family member or others is a challenge.

It’s important to understand that the individual with the diagnosed mental health condition isn’t the only one dealing with a world that has significantly changed. It has a profound effect on the entire family, and, indeed, extended family and friends, as well.

One area that I'm also a specialist in is Communication, as I hold a Master in Communication, and find that communication is the cornerstone of all relationships, from family to friendship to romance, even professional and business relationships. I find that without respect and reciprocity, communication cannot succeed, and that can have a profoundly negative impact on various aspects of people's lives.

I'm an LCSW who has practiced in many areas within the field for 25 years, and find it to be ever-changing and I've retained my passion for working with people from various walks of life and cultures. I look forward to joining with you on your impending journey.