My Approach to Helping
Safety is key during therapy and it is vital to feel connected to your therapist to find that right fit; I provide a collaborative process & always respect the individual therapeutic needs and goals of each person. Deciding to make changes for yourself takes a deep level of courage and this is your 1st step towards positive growth and significant changes in your life.
Together we will enhance your strengths, build hope and find ways to build new skills. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, partial list including: bipolar disorder, behavioral problems, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depressive disorders, interpersonal communication, marriage and family problems, anger management, personality disorders, eating disorders, life transitional issues, ADHD, specific and general parenting problems, addictions, OCD, and body image problems.
I have developed through the years an innovative approach to psychotherapy. I utilize sensitivity, compassion, unconditional positive regard genuineness, acceptance, and empathy. My individually tailored approached is inspired by Dr. Carl Rogers who wisely noted, "If I can provide a certain type of relationship, the other person will discover within himself or herself the capacity to use that relationship for growth and change, and personal development will occur." I provide an eclectic approach to each individual that allows me to integrate psychodynamic, attachment focused, cognitive behavioral, & systemic perspective.
More Info About My Practice
Full provider for Cigna & Aetna (HMO & PPO)
Avg Cost: $150hour session; Sliding scale, when available.
Accepted payment methods: cash, checks, credit cards.
NOTE: Out of network is always accepted and I supply a super-bill for direct insurance submittal.
In addition, I am a Clinical Supervisor for pre-licensed therapists.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
My first and foremost speciality is Complex Trauma (EMDR Certification) & CouplesMarriage Therapy; I have extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman's, and Imago Therapy. I also work a great deal with complex trauma and practice EMDR regularly.
I have very special skills and experience working with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and their families, ages spanning from, children (1-12), Adolescents (13-17), and adults (18+). I have worked specifically in this discipline for a span of 38+ years; as a Special Education teacher, a School Counselor, Grades K-12 and 2.5 years as lead Psychiatric Social worker, as an Autism Spectrum Specialist in collaboration with the Resident & Attending Psychiatrists at LAC+USC County Hospital in Outpatient Psychiatry Department.
Working in this capacity, the treating MD's and I provided dual psychoeducation, support, and strategies that yielded the best research-based practices and outcomes for the families. In addition to learning behavioral methods, and based on our research, the treating MD's and myself understood that support measures were greatly lacking with AutisticSpectrum individuals & their families. Our Psychiatric team utilized the best methods based on scientific research towards providing this much needed support and guidance.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Psychotherapy can also be called, 'talk therapy,' with the ultimate goal towards bringing relief from problematic symptoms that may stem from emotional andor psychological turmoil. I have worked with clients in psychotherapy in a number of ways, but namely creating an open space during a therapeutic session in which an individual can discover new insights into their problem areas in order to create healthy choices for improved relationships. During psychotherapy, we will look at conflicts and problem areas that create continued roadblocks & conjointly examine how someone's past experiences may be reflective towards making changes today; we will unpack this impasse to open new roads ahead!
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
In regards to Psychotherapy for families, children greatly benefit from play therapy, which is a professional form of psychotherapy. I work with children ages 3 through puberty and up in a way that will significantly restructure behaviors that will provide relief to parents and caregivers. Structure & consistency is key and discipline does not mean being cruel or overly harsh as many parents have asked me through the 30+ years that I have worked with their children. My techniques are based on research with what is called in psychotherapy, evidenced-based-practices; this allows relief knowing that your child will receive help from procedures & practices that have been proven to work.
As long as parents or caretakers are invested in change, they can greatly benefit from therapy, as change is a constant and often may be difficult. Even if only one family member is struggling with a physical or mental health issueillness, the entire family is directly affected. I have a great deal of experience in family therapy and can assist in unpacking the struggles that can lead to individual or multiple family members experiencing depression, anxiety, & distancing. Often a family is impacted by significant struggles such as job security, household duties, childadolescent changes, marital discord, etc., and can create struggles in communication. Life transitions can lead to problem areas; roles often change as well within the family system.
