I find it a privilege to work with individuals during periods of growth, transition, or challenge in their lives. I work primarily with the diagnoses of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating issues, adjustment disorders, and relationship difficulties. My approach to psychotherapy is primarily psychodynamic and depth-oriented. I also have a strong interest in contemporary and relational psychoanalysis. I believe in the therapeutic process for symptom relief, for personal insight, for experiencing new ways of being, and for the deepening of human relationships.
I also enjoy providing clinical supervision and consultation to developing therapists. I have supervised several clinical psychology doctoral students, as well as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. The opportunity to contribute to the growth of therapists, helping them to further discover their own therapeutic style with confidence and personal awareness, is very meaningful for me.
In addition to my private practice, I have also served as Associate Faculty at National University where I teach undergraduate courses, and have been involved in course development and advising students. This has served to bring both theory and clinical practice together. I have a background in working in community mental health centers with the homeless population, performing clinical evaluations, diagnosing, and referring clients for proper treatment (medication, case management, and counseling). I have worked at several VA Hospitals in substance abuse settings, inpatient wards, and nursing home units, doing both psychotherapy and neuropsychological evaluations. The varied clinical experiences I have had are helpful in my understanding and treating various symptoms and difficulties.
Personally, my husband and I have been married 30 years and we have two adolescent children. I have enjoyed my involvement in their school, having served on several committees, and we enjoy involvement in our church. For recreation, I enjoy swimming laps and reading.