My Background in Counseling & Psychotherapy

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Child Mental Health Specialist with a virtual Private Practice based in Northridge, California. My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, grief & loss, life transitions and gay and lesbian issues. 

I have an eclectic theoretical orientation and employ a combination of theories during psychotherapy such as; psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, existential, rational emotive therapy and strength based. This combination has been very effective in processing and resolving issues related to; mood disorders, life transitions, self-esteem, personal growth, career, relationships, sexual orientation and coming out. 

In addition to my private practice, I have spent many years working in community based mental health centers throughout Los Angeles County.  Through my roles as a Program Director and  Clinical Supervisor I've had the privilege to train many Associate Marriage & Family Therapists (AMFT's) Associate Clinical Social Workers (ACSW's), Associate Professional Clinical Counselors (APCC's) and Doctoral Interns all working towards licensure.  

I began my clinical work in 1990. My early training focused on trauma recovery. I served as the Director of Clinical Services at a community-based domestic violence shelter and counseling center. As director, I created one of the first counseling programs in the United States to address the mental health needs of children victimized by domestic violence. 

I have a Masters Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, and a BA in Child Development with an emphasis in Child Mental Health, both from California State University, Northridge. I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.