Hello!
I am a California state licensed marriage family therapist, who specializes in providing evidence-based treatment and assessment to children, teens, and young adults with a variety of emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges. I am experienced in working with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings including in-home, schools, non-profit agencies and private practice.
A proud Gael, I graduated from Saint Mary’s College Of California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I then completed my Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology at California State University East Bay. I completed several internships around the Bay during this time including: Quest Behavioral Camps, and a non-profit agency working with children, families, adults, couples, and groups from diverse backgrounds including adult and child offenders. After graduating from Cal State, I worked for another non-profit creating behavior programs and offering family counseling for foster and adopted children, and families/children with disabilities. Twenty years ago, I accepted a position as a Behavior Specialist for several local school districts. I continue to work with these districts providing behavior support and planning, individual and group therapy, and staff/parent education. In addition, I currently supervise MFT Interns seeking licensure.
In the twenty plus years since I began helping individuals and families as a therapist, I believe in blending therapeutic approaches and tailoring them to fit each individual's needs. It is important to me that clients feel heard and understood. I create a safe, collaborative environment where clients can explore issues and concerns without fear of judgment. I frequently utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques. I also focus on increasing emotional intelligence through evidence based curriculum to increase a clients ability to handle the changes in life. My goal is to make sure my clients reach an effective solution to their varied challenges by giving them tools and ways to change their mind-set of the world around them.
My experience has provided me with a deep insight and a practical view of the problems people face in their lives. I have worked with children and families on transitions, relationship issues, coping with loss, navigating a disability, anxiety, and parenting issues. I want to help clients reach their goals by focusing on strengths, identifying thoughts and behaviors that are interfering with their happiness and developing coping skills to improve their quality of life. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve greater self-fulfillment and happiness in life and your relationships.
Please call for a free phone consultation. You can also email me to learn more about me, my practice and how therapy can work for you.