One of the main reasons people come to therapy is because they are having problems in their relationships - with partners, parents, children or at work. Often, faulty communication is at the root of this. Through the use of Non-Violent Communication (NVC), I can help you understand - and effectively communicate - your needs and feelings. Conversely, NVC practices can also teach you how to listen, so that those around you feel heard and understood.
Another common problem in depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties is how we are thinking about ourselves, others or our situation. I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I can teach you to recognize how your thinking is impacting you (and others) and how to change unhelpful and inaccurate thinking.
A final area in which people struggle, is with their emotions. If you find you are often overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, sadness, anger or substance use, Internal Family Systems and Mindfulness Meditation can be of great help. Both of these practices allow you to connect directly with the parts of you that are struggling - without becoming overwhelmed - and learn how to understand and heal the wounds that are driving the problem.
Education
2005 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
2000 Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
San Francisco State University
1991 Master’s degree in Physiology/Neuroscience
University of California at San Francisco
1988 Bachelor’s degree in Physiology (BS)
Bachelor's degree in Psychology (BA)
San Francisco State University
Certifications
QPR Gatekeeper (Question Persuade Refer): Suicide Prevention Provider.
QPR Gatekeeper Trainer: Provided district level trainings to NVUSD mental health staff on suicide prevention. Co-created NVUSD district policy on suicide prevention.
Mindfulness Instructor: Mindful Schools. Provided district level mindfulness training to NVUSD students and staff. Provided training on the application of mindfulness in mental health service delivery, trauma-informed mental health services and social emotional learning.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. California Institute of Mental Health. Provided direct services in TF-CBT to clients at Napa County Child and Family Behavioral Health and Napa Valley Unified School District.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Supervisor. California Institute of Mental Health. Supervised Napa County Child and Family Health clinicians and Aldea clinicians in the use of TF-CBT.
Public Speaking
Mindful Educators Alliance - Co-founder and presenter. Co-leader of daylong Mindfulness Retreats for educators, mental health professionals and community members in Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties. 2018 - 2020.
“Mindfulness for Mental Health Professionals.” 3-hour training on the use of mindfulness practices in mental health to the Solano County Office of Education and Solano County Mental Health. 2/6/2019
“Working With Difficult Emotions.” Aldea 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Conference. 90 minute presentation on the use of mindfulness practices in the treatment of mental health. 9/21/2018.
“Implementing Mindfulness Programs” Northern California Safe and Health Schools Conference. Presentation on the use of mindfulness programs in an educational setting for elementary, middle and high school students. 10/15/2017.