Qualifications & Background
I hold two licenses in mental health as a Psychologist & Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). I also hold a Doctorate (Ph.D) in Clinical Psychology, and two Master's Degrees (M.S. in Clinical Psychology, M.A. in Counseling Psychology). I am also an EMDR Certified Practitioner and was recently awarded an Advanced Certificate in Complex Trauma & Dissociation.
Since 1988, I have had the privilege of successfully helping adults and adolescents in the San Francisco Bay Area address a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, and relationship problems. I am currently providing services in Sonoma, north of San Francisco.
I approach my patients with integrity, authenticity, and respect while I help them explore new ways to grow and make positive changes. I work from an integrative perspective and rely on a broad range of techniques, including EMDR (Eye Movement & Desensitization Reprocessing), psychodynamic methods, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-informed methods, hypnotherapy and family systems interventions, including utilizing the Gottman Couples Therapy method.
I have a variety of qualifications that add to my experience, knowledge, and treatment methods in many areas of mental health, including traumatic stress and addiction disorders.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
— Carl Jung
Degrees, Licenses & Certifications
CERTIFIcation received IN COMPLEX TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION, ADVANCED LEVEL
Int’l Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD), 2023
Certified EMDR Therapist
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA), 2015
Licensed Psychologist
California License, PSY#16184, 1999
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
California License, MFT#24279, 1988
GOTTMAN COUPLES METHOD TRAINED, LEVEL 3
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PhD)
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University), APA-Approved Program in Professional Psychology
Master’s degree in Counseling (MA)
Santa Clara University
Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (MS)
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University)
Memberships and Associations
Member, American Psychological Association (APA)
Member, California Psychological Association (CPA)
Member, RedWood Psychological Association (RPA)
Member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Member, redwood empire california Assn. marriage and family therapists (RECAMFT)
Member, International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD)
Member, EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Member, Psychiatric Staff at Mills Peninsula Health Services (Burlingame, CA)
2000- 2018
Executive Board & General Member, San Mateo County Psychological Association
1995-2019
Political Action Committee Trustee, California Psychological Association, (CPA-PAC)
2005-2007
Other Psychology experience
CERTIFIED in EYE MOVEMENT, DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING (EMDR)
EMDRIA
TRAINED IN HYPNOTHERAPY
Santa Clara University
Testified as an expert witness on trauma-related disorders for the San Mateo County court system
& provided expert testimony for legal practices in Sonoma & San Mateo Counties
Clinical Consultation Group Member with Dr. Stephanie Brown
The Addictions Institute ( 2000–2010)
Authored an original DISSERTATION study on the prevalence rates and effects of childhood sexual abuse in San Mateo County (1992)
Doctoral Internship completed at the San Francisco VAMC, PTSD & Health Psychology Units (1991)
EMDR Certified
An Eye-Movement, Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist has engaged in at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR Consultant for EMDR and has practiced their skills with at least 25 different clients in at least 50 EMDR sessions. An EMDR Certified Therapist has voluntarily met standards of consultation, clinical practice, and continuing education to provide EMDR therapy. An EMDR Certified Therapist is committed to fulfill ethical standards and is engaged in continuing education. To maintain this certification, a therapist must continue to satisfy the EMDRIA requirement including completion of continuing education requirements and adherence to ethical standards.
Additional EMDR Resources
EMDR Institute
EMDR International Association
EMDR-Humanitarian Assistance Programs
Please contact me for more information.