I am a licensed psychologist (in the states of California, Texas, Illinois and Massachusetts). I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley then went on to receive my Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. My therapeutic approach is to provide a safe, respectful environment in which you can feel comfortable disclosing your feelings and concerns that impact you and restrict you from experiencing positive and rewarding relationships with others. I help my clients explore and identify ways in which they can create positive changes in their lives in order to free themselves from issues of the past that may have held them back. I empower my clients to become more proactive in their lives and relationships with others. My clinical orientation involves approaches from psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, ACT, mindfulness based stress reduction and Positive Psychology.

In 2014 I became a Certified Life and Wellness Coach through Mentor Coach, a training program for therapists who wish to enhance their practice with Life Coaching. I believe coaching is a creative way to engage my clients in their own development and attainment of their life goals. As a coach with a psychology background, I have highly refined listening skills, an ability to assist my clients in articulating their intentions and goals which allows them to quickly identify their plans of action.

On a personal note, I am married to a great guy who broadened my life experience geographically as well as exponentially over the years. After I attained my Ph.D. we moved from the Bay Area to San Antonio, Texas where I became licensed and eventually set up a private clinical practice and then later added a coaching practice. After 16 years in the Alamo City, we took the chilly plunge and moved to the Chicago area. In April 2017 we returned home to California and I opened a private practice in beautiful Santa Cruz. In gaining a spouse I also became a stepmother to three, now adult, stepchildren. Together we have a 20 something daughter. I am an avid runner for over 35 years (I have completed 5 marathons) and a recreational triathlete for the past 10 years. Nothing helps me maintain my sense of balance more than engaging in physical activity.