About Me

Fueled by an intense curiosity for human behavior and relationships, I began my career, years ago, acting in the theatre. This interest in human dynamics, emotional worlds, and life stories, ultimately led me to psychotherapy. My background in acting, character study, and creative expression still feeds me and informs my work today. I believe in the power of artistic expression, the healing nature of deep affect work, and the use of imagination and dream-work as tools for self-discovery and knowledge.

Professional Experience

In 2006, I started as an intern working in private practice with individuals and couples. In 2013, I opened my own private practice. I also began on-going training in the PACT model of therapy, in which I developed a passion and expertise in relationships and in working with couples (see Couple Therapy page).

My clinical training began in 2003 as a therapist at the Help Group and the LA Free Clinic (now the Saban Clinic). At the Help Group, I primarily worked with middle and high school students with emotional and behavioral problems, and their parents. I also ran psychotherapy process groups. At Saban Clinic I worked with adolescents and adults in individual and couple therapy.

I still enjoy working with and relate easily to young adults; creating a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings as they navigate a stressful and challenging world during such a volatile, passionate and confusing period of development.

For 15 years, I worked part-time at California Hospital Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center in downtown Los Angeles, as a medical social worker.  I gained experience in every acute care unit in the hospital; primarily providing crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy for individuals and families facing various levels of medical or psychiatric illness, or trauma. I provided counseling to pregnant adolescents or new teen moms; to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking; to parents who delivered babies admitted to the Neonatal ICU; I worked with trauma patients suffering from various levels of injury, and their families; I provided clinical intervention and support to individuals and families who received a new medical diagnosis or who faced a loss of independence, chronic illness or a terminal diagnosis.

I have a special interest in sleep disorders and chronic illness.  I am an active member of the Narcolepsy Network – the national organization supporting research, treatment, and outreach for people with Narcolepsy, and their families – and I lead psychotherapy groups for individuals and their families struggling with this and related disorders.

Education & Training

University of California Los Angeles, Masters Degree, Clinical Social Work with a specialization in mental health.

University of California Los Angeles, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

DEFT (Dynamic Emotion Focused Therapy) Levels I, II, III, Certifications of Completion

DEFT Institute Faculty

PACT Couple Therapist Training Levels I, II, III, Certifications of Completion

Certified PACT Couple Therapist, Certification of Completion

PACT Advanced Focus Series, A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Sexuality

PACT Advanced Focus Series, A Psychobiological Approach to Infidelity

PACT Advanced Focus Series, A Psychobiological Approach to Personality Disorders

Narcolepsy Network Annual Conference, Ongoing education in scientific research and treatment for People With Narcolepsy and related sleep disorders

NASW Clinical Supervision, Certification of Completion; certified to supervise interns and other licensed clinicians

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