Welcome!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience working with adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples in private psychotherapy, schools, clinics, and hospitals.  I am a graduate of Wesleyan University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University.

I am a Medicare provider, with a certification in advanced geriatric mental health.  I love working with older adults!  I find that advancing age provides unique challenges, but also unique opportunities to address issues that may have been put on the back burner earlier in life, and explore passions that responsibilities may have previously crowded out.

Originally from the East Coast, where I worked primarily with adults, I have spent much of the last 10 years working with adolescents, children, and their families in the Poway Unified School District.  A community member whose own children attended PUSD schools, I am uniquely qualified to work with students and families who are struggling with school-related issues.  I am very familiar with Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and can help families navigate the IEP process.

I am a practical, flexible therapist who chooses interventions to meet the needs and goals of each individual client.  I strive to provide a warm, accepting, respectful environment and believe that establishing a safe, collaborative relationship is critical to therapeutic success. Such an environment enables clients to take risks, to stretch, and to grow.  Within this basic framework, I may integrate a variety of specific therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive behavior therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, with teaching and/or coaching in specific skill areas, such as study and organizational skills, parenting skills, relaxation techniques and assertive communication skills. 

 

 

I work with clients to identify and nurture their unique strengths and capabilities, and learn how to improve their quality of life.  I especially love helping people navigate the challenges of transitions at all stages of life.  I view the decision to seek therapy as a sign of strength, and feel privileged to be able to accompany and assist others on their own journeys of self-exploration and self-improvement.