I have a deep respect for how our unique experiences shape who we are and how we operate in the world. I am particularly drawn to assist clients in becoming aware of what ultimately motivates them, and how they can be more conscious and mindful (vs. being on automatic pilot) in their relationships.

Empowerment is always a focal point of the work I do with clients, and I find working with a culturally diverse clientele very rewarding. I have extensive experience, and am equally comfortable, working with individual children, teens and adults, as well as couples and families.

Because the majority of our emotional wounds occur in relationships, they are best healed through relationship. Thus I describe the therapeutic work I do as working "relationally" with my clients. This relationship involves the client and I interacting with and engaging one another, with the goals of enhancing the client's self-knowledge and providing them new and reparative experiences.

My work is informed primarily by psychodynamic theories, including Intersubjective, Jungian, Object Relations, psychoanalytic, Relational and Self-Psychology. I also utilize the Enneagram in my work to deepen my and my clients' understanding of personality structure and motivation.

But putting theories aside, it is our unique experiences that shape who we are and how we operate in the world. Helping clients become aware of their motivations and seeing them become more conscious, mindful and successful in their relationships is what draws me to the work I love to do. Therapy is an empowering experience, and helping clients achieve empowerment is always a goal of the work I do.

Consultation Services

In addition to my private practice, I also offer consultation services for licensed therapists at the rate of $150.00 per hour.

I have clinically supervised individuals and groups for over nine years, both in my practice and for non-profit agencies. I have had significant training in psychoanalytic thinking, and participate in two advanced psychoanalytic consultation groups. I use a 'Relational' approach in all of my work...including consultation. Please contact me @ 408-836-4110 for more information, and/or to schedule a brief phone interview.

Licenses

• Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, California — License # MFC36637, 2000

Degrees

• M.S. Clinical Psychology, San Jose State University, 1996
• B.A. Clinical and Counseling Psychology, San Jose State University, 1994

Certifications

• Certificate, Domestic Violence Intervention — 1996

Professional Affiliations

• Association for Enneagram Teachers in the Narrative Tradition (AETNT)
• Association for Play Therapists (APT)
• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists — Clinical Member, 2000-present; Associate/Student Member 1994-2000
• Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology
• Santa Clara Valley Chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists — Clinical Member, 1993-present (Board of Directors, President-Elect, 2006-2007, President, 2008; Past President, 2009)

I provide my services to the highest ethical standards and my relationships with my clients are strictly confidential. As such, I must inform you that the information provided in this Website is offered for informational purposes only; it is not offered as and does not constitute professional advice. Replies to e-mail messages will be general in nature and will not form a therapist-client relationship. Be aware that the confidentiality of information sent over the Internet, including e-mail, may not be legally or otherwise protected or secure.