"The only source of knowledge is experience." Albert Einstein
Education and Experience
BA in Child Development and Psychology, 1990
Master of Social Work, 1992
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 1997
Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification, 2000
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Supervisor, 2012
Daring Way™ and Rising Strong Facilitator, 2012
Animal-Human Health Practitioner, 2014
EMDR Trained and Certified, 2018
Embodied Recovery, Level 1, November 2019
Transforming Touch® Therapy, February 2021
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Level 1 February 2022
Psychodrama/Sociometry/Psychodramatic Body Work, 2015-2022
Safe and Sound Protocol®
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of professional experience. I have worked in a variety of settings over this span of time, including hospitals, schools, and outpatient mental health clinics. In 2002, I was fortunate to be able to open my private practice. I enjoy connecting with clients and having the freedom to work collaboratively with them to find healing and meaningful paths in their lives.
Over the years I have developed some areas of specialty. These include eating disorders/disordered eating, anxiety, depression and trauma (single, complex and developmental). As an adult adoptee, I have a special interest in working with other adult adoptees. My lived experience lends itself to understanding the loss, grief, identity, attachment, and search for mastery often held in the adoption reality. Additionally, I have developed specialized knowledge and treatment for those with chronic and complex health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, CFS, POTS and fibromyalgia.
I am a lifelong learner and believe fully in the power of education. My hope is that my years of experience and drive for new knowledge offer my clients a comprehensive, holistic and uniquely crafted treatment opportunity. Additionally, I work with a number of other local healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, acupuncturists, body workers and registered dietitians to ensure my clients receive a team approach to their health.
To assist and support each client in achieving his or her personal goals through individualized care, while emphasizing choice, dignity and authenticity.
Mission Statement
I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. Within this relationship, I find that it is the development of trust, positive regard and connection that fosters healing and growth.
I believe that every person has an innate ability to find balance and peace within their own life. I work to create a safe environment, so that each client has the opportunity to explore and access his or her inner wisdom and truth.
I believe in the connection between mind and body. I strive to support each client in discovering this connection for himself or herself, and then learning to build upon the strengths of each.
I believe in a strengths based approach and in treating each person as a unique being. As such, I work with each client to find the specific approaches and interventions that work well for him or her. Some of the approaches I use include, mindfulness, shame resiliency, nervous system regulation, somatic/sensorimotor work, acceptance and commitment therapy, intuitive eating/intuitive exercise, hypnosis, EMDR and experiential activities, such as writing, art and psychodrama. I also support the inclusion of animal companions in treatment. The healthy relationships we foster with animals can be as healing as those we have with humans.
Professional Philosophy
Professional Organizations, Boards and Committees
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International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals National Certification Committee Member- current
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The Daring Way™ Regional Board, Treasurer- 2016-2018
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The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals- Orange County Regional Board Treasurer (2007-2011), Chapter President (2011-2013).
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The National Association of Social Workers
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The EMDR International Association
- International Association of Trauma Professionals
