Therapy Background

I am primarily a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. At the core of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the belief that an individual’s interpretation of an event determines how he or she will feel, and then he or she will behave accordingly:

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The problem is we tend to feel the feelings before we know what thoughts are creating those feelings. Usually those thoughts are so automatic that until we begin to uncover them, we cannot change them, and thus we continue to do the same things over and over again.

In addition to CBT, I utilize the techniques and strategies of many other modalities depending on the needs of my client. In the end, the goal is change…not just in feelings, attitudes and perceptions but also in behavior. Because ultimately that is what change is really all about. That’s what I believe therapy is for. Because, as Albert Einstein said:

“You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.”

Specialties

I use both a psychodynamic approach as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the unconscious processes that dictate repetitive behaviors and patterns, while CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It centers on learning how these facets of one's self interact so the individual can consciously manage symptoms.

I specialize in individual therapy, couples counseling, parenting issues, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, career counseling, and therapy for those working in creative professions.

Personal Background

I was born and raised in New England and moved to San Francisco to receive my undergraduate degree. That’s where I met my husband of over 30 years. We now live in the LA area, have adult twin daughters, and a dog named Neko. My first career was as a television producer, which I eventually left in order to get my master’s degree in clinical psychology. I have been doing therapy for the past 10 years working extensively with couples, relationships, and people in the entertainment and creative fields.