Therapeutic Approach and Background

My therapeutic style is warm, active and non-judgmental. When you feel relaxed and comfortable, it becomes easier to access your brain's creative function. When it comes to therapy, no one technique fits for everyone. My years of experience allow me to combine a variety of theories and tools to fit each person's unique personality and situation. Throughout my career as a therapist, I have been fortunate to learn from leaders in the treatment of depression and anxiety, and from psychologists  who have researched and pioneered new modalities for couple's therapy.

I am a Certified Gottman Therapist. This is an effective and exciting approach to the treatment of couples that is based on 40 years of research with over 4,000 couples. I also have advanced training in another model that is highly effective and has been validated by research: EFT, or Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Among the other theories and tools that I’ve found useful are CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems, self-acceptance therapy, and the practice of mindfulness for insight and stress reduction. In addition, I specialize in the treatment of post-traumatic stress and have advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). 

• Bachelor’s degree, University of California, Berkeley (Phi Beta Kappa)
• Lifetime Teaching Credential, University of California, Berkeley
• Master’s degree, Clinical Psychology, John F. Kennedy, Graduate School of Professional Psychology

• Couples Therapy: for issues of communication, conflict regulation, issues with finances, sexuality, parenting and healing from betrayal
• Treatment of Anxiety: generalized anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder
• Treatment of Depression: using psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness training
• Stress Reduction: using the Relaxation Response and mindfulness training, time management skills, and help with overcoming procrastination

• California license in Marriage and Family Therapy, MFT23162, since 1987
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR level II plus advanced training in Kitchur model) for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder
• Certified Gottman Couples Therapist
• Membership in NCCEFT (Northern California Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy)
• Membership in ICEEFT (International Community for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy)
• Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Questions about my approach? I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation: 

           (650) 533-1481; (650) 344-3129.