My practice consists of Somatic Experiencing, NeuroAffective Touch, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and Parts Work. I see Clients residing in California online and in my Encinitas office.
Psychologist | Teacher | Student
I have been a Psychologist for over 20 years, and one of the things I love about my work is that it is never boring! Some of the topics and humans that I have the most delight in working with are: highly sensitive/neurodivergent people, chronic pain, anxiety, high achievers, veterans, and active-duty military. I have a heart for helping the helpers - those in the medical field, teachers, therapists, healers and anyone who wants to ease suffering in the world.
I also have postgraduate training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Parts Work, Hypnosis, Play Therapy, Meditation, and Yoga, which I often weave together to create unique approach for each client.
In addition to my work as a Psychologist, I have a couple of unique interests. I am an avid animal lover and passionate about animal rescue and advocacy. I have two mini donkeys, and two elderly pitbulls who dominate a large part of my heart space.
I am a certificated pilot, and FAA certified Flight Instructor with over 25 years of experience. For me, flying is a meditation and gives me an opportunity to exercise my left brain thinking after days of co-creating with my Clients in my right brain space.
I am a meditation and yoga teacher and have found meditation to be one of the things that helps me get everything moving in the right direction when I feel lost. I really delight in teaching meditation to people who swear “I can’t meditate!” I’ve been there too. I get it!
What it’s like to work with me…
We will probably laugh. A lot. That may sound unexpected coming from a trauma therapist, but in my experience, laughter often emerges organically when people feel safe. I cultivate a collaborative, grounded, and sometimes playful therapeutic space where humor and depth can coexist.
As much as we may laugh, I also deeply welcome the full intensity of your emotions, without edit or judgment. You do not need to take care of me, soften your experience, or worry about hurting my feelings. In fact, the more transparent you can be about how our therapeutic relationship feels, the more meaningful and effective our work becomes.
I will not rush you to “look on the bright side” or bypass what is true for you. My intention is to meet you exactly where you are and move at your pace, step by step, with care and attunement.
I am also a teller of hard truths. I strive to share them with tact, gentleness, and compassion. And when my intention does not land as intended, I remain open to repair, reflection, and reconnection. The therapeutic relationship itself is part of the healing, and I hold that responsibility with sincerity and respect.