After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Oregon in 1991, I returned to my native San Francisco where I worked in advertising and media production until 1997. Along the way, I earned an M.A. at San Francisco State University in Women's Studies. It was during that time the idea of pursuing a career in psychotherapy clicked for me.
I moved to Southern California in 1998 to earn my Master’s degree at Phillips Graduate Institute, a private psychology school in the San Fernando Valley. I graduated with my M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy in 1999 and interned for several years in a variety of places in Los Angeles, including community mental health clinics, school-based settings and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. Finally, I was mentored and supervised in private practice until I received my LMFT license in 2004.
I have been in private practice since 2002 and truly love what I do. I have post-graduate training in Redecision Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) but overall my style is eclectic and catered to the needs of the client. I am also a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).
Outside of work, I am a certified dog trainer and a strong believer in the healing power of animals. I live in Long Beach with my husband and 2 cats. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, travel and mah jongg.
I think you will find me down-to-earth and approachable. I use humor in my work and my therapy style is involved and dynamic. I warmly welcome anyone into my practice who is interested in the journey of self-discovery, personal growth and lasting change.