Zoom Link / In Person Appointments Only
Ext. 835
The most important factor influencing whether therapy works is the relationship between therapist and client. Do I ‘get’ you? Do you feel understood and safe? All research confirms this connection needs to be strong. To support that, I always begin with a thorough assessment process where we address what brings you to the room, the difficulties currently present and set some goals for your future.
I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral studies in 2008 and my Marriage and Family Therapist license in 2011. I became an approved Clinical Supervisor in 2022. My original training was psychodynamic in nature, systems oriented and included Existential and Transpersonal Psychotherapy. Since then I have studied extensively or been trained in: attachment theory, trauma theory, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity informed practices, Decolonizing Therapy and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. I have worked in private practice, hospitals, eating disorder clinics and a DBT focused clinic. Please note that I find my work most effective in person and therefore seek clients wanting to work in-person with me at the WHW offices.
For over a decade I was a professional dancer and actor and my Masters included a specialty in Expressive Arts Therapy. The arts can be powerful tools in our transformation journey. If appropriate we may weave in the arts as they can so effectively convey what is difficult to say in words.
I’m a senior Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT500) with 20 years of teaching and over 12,000 hours leading classes, retreats, workshops and teacher trainings. I integrate these complex and relatable practices of mindfulness, sensitivity, somatic wisdom and self- awareness with Western Psychology in my work.
I’ve spent 30 years as an activist and ally. I’m a cis white straight female and have long-standing relationships in the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve worked with many clients within this community. I’m also a sex-positive therapist and happy to work with those in non-monogamous, kinky or other less traditional relationships.
My practice has included culturally, racially and ethnically arrayed populations since the beginning. I have been an activist long-enough to know I will always have blind spots and to understand the problematic relationship therapy historically has with many groups. I actively seek to and enjoy working with diverse clientele. You are welcome here.
Above all I believe in the resiliency, capacity and ferocity of the human spirit. We all have times when we can feel lost, broken, confused or like life is an overwhelming struggle. Our journey together will be one of honoring strengths you may or may not recognize in yourself, developing new skills and moving forward towards creating a life worth living. Let's walk together.