I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in California and have been practicing for over 20 years. I have extensive experience working with adults across a wide range of mental health concerns. I am also a retired Navy veteran of 20 years. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to improve your mood, relationships, and overall quality of life.
In our first session, we'll take some time to get to know one another and answer any questions you may have. I like to take the time to fully understand what you are going through and what your goals are for therapy and your life. We will collaboratively come up with a plan and framework for the progress you are hoping to achieve.
With 20+ years of experience, I feel may greatest strengths involve creating a therapeutic relationship that is centered on non-judgmental and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to fully express themselves in a genuine manner and feel validated and understood. I believe that this is the foundation for building trust and creates an environment in which clients can find their path towards their best lives.
I enjoy working with both men and women who looking for more purpose and meaning in their lives, as well as those who may be feeling stuck or overwhelmed with the challenges they are facing. Growth and self-improvement take hard work, and I find it incredibly rewarding working with clients who are willing to be challenged and take steps towards making the changes they want in their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT effectively with clients for 20 years. This approach recognizes that psychological problems are based, in part, on unhelpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. I will take a collaborative approach with you in which we will work together to understand your own unique patterns of thinking and behavior and how they are affecting you. Together we will develop a strategy to address problematic thinking, emotions, and behavior to improve your life.
Humanistic
With this approach, I will work with you to consider the whole person, especially your positive characteristics and potential for growth. Our emphasis in sessions will be focused on these positive traits and behaviors and developing your ability to use your natural abilities to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment. When clients experience themselves as well understood by their therapist, they will feel more empowered, more conscious of their strengths and skills, and better equipped to make changes in their lives that will help them fulfill their goals and needs.
Eclectic
Eclectic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that adapts to the unique needs of each client, depending on the problem, the treatment goals, and the person’s expectations and motivation. An eclectic therapist draws from a variety of disciplines and may use a range of proven methods to determine the best combination of therapeutic tools to help a client. An eclectic therapist customizes the therapeutic process for each individual by using whatever form of treatment, or combination of treatments, has been shown to be most effective for a particular problem.