I feel I have a wealth of experience, education and training that benefits a wide variety of
clients. My first step towards becoming a therapist was the completion of a BA degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas in 1977. I began seeing clients in 1991 while completing a Master's Degree in Clinical
Psychology from JFK University.
During the licensure process, I worked with battered women and their children at one of Northern California's largest domestic violence agencies. Additionally, I served in several Bay Area HIgh Schools as an adolescent drug diversion counselor. I worked with couples in crisis at a family service agency and spent 3 years counseling at risk adolescents at a non profit agency in the North Bay. These placements gave me experience working with domestic violence, chronic anger, PTSD resulting from sexual, physical and emotional abuse, substance abuse, depression, acute anxiety, dysfunctional communication within relationships, ineffective and/or inappropriate parenting methods, and negative self beliefs that get in the way of achieving life happiness.
I received my California Marriage and Family Therapist License in 2000 and have since also completed Levels I and II training in EMDR to augment my work with trauma reduction. I have been in private practice in Benicia for 10+ years and I work with an enormous variety of clients and presenting problems. I regard my areas of specialization to be depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, couples counseling, women's issues and in particular, setting reasonable limits with others, effective parenting, improving communication, and working to eliminate irrational negative beliefs about oneself and others. I use a combination of therapeutic methods including psychodynamic, family systems, and cognitive behavioral.
I am truly honored that my clients place their trust in me on a daily basis, and, in return, I strive to treat each client and their situation with the utmost respect and professionalism. It is my goal to create a safe and caring atmosphere within each and every therapy session.
