I have had the
pleasure of working with clients from five-years-old to 105-years-old! Having
the opportunity to work with such an expansive age range has taught me that at any
age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have
a purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don’t want pain.
My goal as a
therapist, is to help my clients find ways reduce, restructure, and remove the
obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to
promote health, happiness, and well-being.
I hold a Masters of Science degree in counseling with a
specialization in gerontology from San Francisco State University.
I have practiced therapy in a variety of settings including
elementary schools, universities, crisis lines, skilled nursing facilities,
assisted living facilities, One-Stop career centers, in my client's home, and
in my office.
I have worked with people on a plethora of concerns including
depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, grief, trauma, death and dying, dementia,
chronic unemployment, self-esteem, life-cycle changes, disability, relationship
issues, sexuality, gender, social justice, and making meaning in one’s life.
Additionally, I hold a double-major Bachelor of Arts degree
in Philosophy and Humanities and a Master of Arts degree in Humanities.
My theoretical orientation is existential-humanistic. So
what does that mean? Humanistic refers to a “person-centered” approach to
therapy. My style of therapy is interactive and collaborative in nature,
focusing on the individual needs, style and goals of my clients. I use a lot of
humor in my practice; finding at times, that laughter is the best medicine!
Existential Psychology emerged from Existential Philosophy
and is primarily focused on how one makes meaning in one's life. As
meaning-making creatures, it has been my experience that all roads lead to how
we see ourselves within the larger picture of the world. In utilizing this
approach, I explore with my clients issues surrounding: Death (and death
anxiety), isolation (the balance between being alone and loneliness), freedom
(and the responsibility that comes with it), and how we create purpose in our
lives in the face of its challenges. By helping to foster new perspectives, I
assist my clients in building lives that are meaningful to them.
