My Approach to Helping
I work with my clients on gaining new perspectives, restoring balance, and increasing well-being in their lives. I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist (20 years) and also a certified yoga teacher and use a holistic, integrative approach to psychotherapy. With this holistic framework, I blend both traditional methods and mind-body work for those who are interested in this approach. I blend mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, positive psychology and health psychology tailored for individual needs. After reviewing a person's unique factors of past and present concerns, I incorporate mind-body awareness to increase their sense of well-being, decrease stress, and improve their confidence to handle life's challenges.
I work with adolescents, women, and men who are going through a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, emotional eating, and relationship problems. A portion of my practice focuses on women's issues, health psychology, adjustment to college life, eating concerns, sleep issues, trauma, and cross-cultural issues. I also counsel those dealing with life transitions such as a break-up, new job, or loss of a loved one. In addition, I see those dealing with past trauma, post-partum anxiety & depression, fertility & pregnancy issues, adoption, and parenting. My work includes advanced training and experience with children, adolescents, and adults on mindfulness meditation and relaxation training.
More Info About My Practice
In addition to over 20 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist, I have received training in mind-body therapies including mindfulness meditation for stress and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) through the UCSD school of Medicine. I also have advanced training in Mindful Eating and have completed level one training in i-REST yoga nidra meditation with Dr. Richard Miller.
In addition, I completed my hatha yoga teacher training (YTT200) at Yoga Institute in 2013. I also am a certified Ananda Restorative Yoga teacher and received training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to adolescents and am certified in the MBSR-T program. I have training in brainspotting for anxiety and trauma.
My private practice is located on University Avenue near the American River. I share a practice with my husband, Dr. Robert McMahon who specializes in working with stress, depression, relationship issues, and couples therapy. We have been married for 25 years and have two sons (in college) who have been our greatest teachers on child and adolescent development and parenting. Our private practice is on the upstairs floor and we have been told it is a soothing and relaxing space. In addition to our therapy room we also have meditation yoga supplies for teaching mindfulness and relaxation skills. Please see our website for more information about the practice and what we offer.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
I love being able to work with people on finding an increased sense of balance and purpose in their lives. With over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I have helped numerous children, adolescents, adults and elders on making valuable changes in their lives. It gives me great joy to be able to assist people of all ages in being able to create a life that they love which is free of emotional pain.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
Many clients that I have worked with have been nervous about starting the process of therapy. This is especially true if they have never been in therapy before. This is completely understandable as it is difficult to come in and share yourself with a complete stranger. What I typically hear from my clients is that after the first session, they are relieved to have an outside perspective and a mental health professional to work with them on finding ways to better deal with their concerns and life stressors.
If you are on the fence about coming in for a session, I invite you to call me and see if I am the right match for you and your therapy needs. I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone session to answer any questions you may have or simply to talk to see if you are comfortable with me.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
Going to therapy is not a sign of weakness. It does not mean that you are flawed or that there is something wrong with you. In fact, the majority of people that I see in therapy are ordinary people dealing with the challenges of daily life. Many of my clients are busy professionals, college students, working moms, stay at home moms, stressed teens, and individuals dealing with life adjustments such as those to a recent break up, divorce, or loss of a loved one. Others are dealing with health issues such as chronic illness, sleep issues, or weight concerns. They may not have a "psychological disorder" yet seek an outside perspective to help them deal with the challenges of daily living. Stress and adjustment are normal parts of life and one that we all deal with from time to time. My experience as a therapist and life coach has given me valuable tools to help people who are dealing with everyday stressors. Together, we formulate a wellness plan that can help guide you toward living a life that is filled with more joy, happiness, and balance.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.