Licensed to practice in California. Specializes in Addiction, Depression, Life Transitions and 7 more.
I am a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, with particular expertise in substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. In addition to clinical practice, I currently lead research and innovation efforts for a national behavioral healthcare organization and have previously served as an Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. I am also a published author and regularly speak at regional and national conferences on mental health and addiction. These experiences inform my perspective, but therapy begins with understanding you. My approach is thoughtful, curious, and nonjudgmental, grounded in the belief that therapy works best when clients feel understood and hopeful about change. From there, we’ll identify patterns, create new experiences, and explore practical steps toward a more connected, meaningful, and engaged life.
Our first session is an opportunity to get to know one another and for me to understand what brings you to therapy, including how I may be able to help. Just as importantly, it is a chance for you to get a sense of me: whether you find me trustworthy, whether I have the needed experience and expertise, and whether you believe I will take the time to fully understand both you and your concerns. We’ll also start discussing what you hope to get out of therapy.
One of my strengths is recognizing that few people are deeply listened to, particularly as they walk through complicated, isolating problems. I also have considerable experience working with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns, including with people who are ambivalent about change, have struggled to change despite a strong desire to do so, or identify as being in recovery and need additional support.
You don't need to enter therapy knowing exactly what you want to change or even feeling completely ready to change. What matters more is a willingness to be curious and increasingly honest with yourself about what is and what isn't working. My ideal client is open to looking at themselves, considering their own patterns and relationships, including the relationship we develop in therapy, and ultimately taking an active role in creating meaningful change.
My approach to therapy is guided more by principles than by any single set of techniques. I draw from relational and insight-oriented perspectives, approaches that help people explore motivation and recovery, and practical strategies for changing thoughts and behaviors. What remains consistent is an emphasis on developing a shared understanding of the problem and using approaches that make sense for you at that particular point in treatment.