Thank you for visiting my website to learn more about my practice. I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in individual and relationship therapy for adults, young adults, and adolescents to address problems of daily living and mental health disorders. I treasure having my private practice office in the village area of Laguna Beach, just a few blocks from the ocean. While my practice is independent I have the pleasure of sharing an office suite with several other Laguna Beach psychologists and therapists in The Psychology Center, 380 Glenneyre St., Suite G.
With over 30 years experience as a psychologist, and more in the mental health field, I specialize in an approach to therapy that integrates cognitive behavior therapy with a developmental perspective. I work with a broad range of clients.
Among my areas of expertise are depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, life stage and relationships issues, problems of gifted children, adjustment difficulties, parenting in general, and relationships between parents and their adult children. (See the Services page for information.)
For the past ten years I have enjoyed serving as a Senior Staff Psychologist at the Counseling Center at the University of California Irvine working with undergraduate and graduate students who present with issues that cover the range of my expertise. I taught at UCI for nine years, lecturing and instructing in core classes in the psychology major. I have supervised and trained both interns and postdoctoral psychologists in providing therapy and working with special populations in inpatient and outpatient settings. I have presented at National conferences including those of the American Psychological Association and the Menninger Clinic, and to general audiences speaking on the topics of parenting, adolescent development and human sexuality.
Prior to my graduate training I was a mental health worker in inpatient psychiatry with adolescents and a credentialed California K-12 school teacher. (I also made sandwiches in the old Laguna Beach Deli, if you remember it :) ) I served for many years in a therapeutic recreation program for children and young adults with a variety of physical and cognitive challenges. As Assistant Director of the program I was responsible for curriculum, activities, staff training, supervision of volunteers and client care.
My first degrees in Psychology and in Education & Child Study were completed magna cum laude at at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. I grew up in Massachusetts and moved southern California in the early 80's. Spending many years in several US areas (New England, California, and Utah) has benefitted my work. Experiencing East Coast, West Coast and Utah cultures exposed me to observable differences in pace, interpersonal styles and other subtle aspects of how people approach their daily lives and values. I have great respect for differences in beliefs, religion, values, lifestyles and am aware of the specialized knowledge needed to work effectively with diverse ethnic groups.
I am an accepting, empathetic, interactive, solution-focused therapist. My clients consider me straightforward and practical as well as creative in problem solving and communication skills. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I employ an integration of complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. Offering my deepest compassion and understanding, I work with each individual or family to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
I love what I do and feel privileged to be a part of so many people's personal journeys.
