Licensed to practice in Arizona and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Peer Relationships and 6 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience working in the mental health field. I got my bachelor's degree at UCLA and my Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University, and built my career in Arizona where I did my final training. I work with people facing challenges with life changes, relationship and social experiences, coping with stressors, personality traits that affect functioning with friends/co-workers/family, mood issues, and setting boundaries. I have unique expertise in helping people navigate serious mental illness. The work we do together might involve talking through a difficult experience, addressing a specific issue, or making a change. Growth in therapy stems from the therapeutic relationship, so I put time and effort toward building that relationship. It's a highlight of my profession to work together with someone to better their life, achieve a goal, or feel satisfaction and comfort.
Sometimes people come into therapy feeling apprehensive, and it is important to me to help people feel at ease. No matter the pace at which we work, the first session will feel worthwhile and productive. I will have reviewed any information you provided ahead of time, and will give you the opportunity to tell me about yourself, sharing what you believe is important for me to know. Sometimes people are initially unsure about what to tell the therapist at the start. I will both listen and ask questions to help guide that process. You may have your goals identified and ready to share, or we will figure them out together. You will have a chance to ask questions about the course of therapy.
I recognize that seeking therapy takes awareness and courage, both important traits as you continue the work. My approach is person-centered, which means I work from a place of empathy and acceptance, offering my genuine reactions as we work collaboratively to meet your goals and get you where you want to be. I balance this approach with skill-based, problem-solving work to help you create change and abilities to do something in a new way. I will help you to think about situations in different ways and choose new actions to get your preferred outcomes. I establish a warm, comfortable, and nonjudgmental space to do this work together. I am level-headed and take time to think things through, and at the same time am efficient and productive. Because I have years of experience, I conceptualize issues from a wide perspective, and then individualize treatment based on your unique circumstances. Empathy and validation are a part of my natural style both personally and professionally.
Though I have a lot of experience addressing issues involving mood, relationships, personality functioning, coping with life stressors, and boundaries, my focus is more on the person rather than a specific issue. You might know what you want to accomplish in therapy, or it could be the case that you have some uncertainty; either way, I can help guide you toward growth and goals. I can be helpful to people that want to talk situations through, feel listened to and empowered to view things in new ways, make decisions, practice new behaviors, and take new actions.
We will explore how you view things, and the ways these thoughts impact feelings and behavior. If we discover that some thinking patterns are leading to ineffective behaviors, we will work on reframing thoughts, or viewing situations in new ways.
Empathy (having a sense and understanding of the position you are in), acceptance of where you are at, and sharing my genuine reactions will be used to create a supportive, caring environment where you will feel empowered to explore issues and grow.