ABOUT
ME
Career
For the first half of my 20+ year career in clinical psychology, I focused on helping a diverse range of individuals manage their distress, recover from trauma, set goals, and achieve vital health and well-being. While many were successfully single, others made profound changes on a personal level only to be devastated when their relationship faltered.
Time and again I noticed that my clients in secure functioning partnerships fared better than those with impaired relationships, no matter what life brought. This realization, along with finding a new life partner, spurred me on to post-graduate training in couples therapy. I needed to know personally and professionally what makes relationships succeed.
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Receiving advanced clinical training to work with couples was simultaneously one of the most challenging and rewarding pursuits of my life. I had to look at my approach to therapy from an entirely new perspective as I had in front of me two sets of competing emotional triggers and needs. Although I had been fulfilled while single, I now had to face my own deficits in being the partner I wanted to be and that my partner deserved. As a result, I can attest that the labor involved in the process is worth the love you give and receive.
EDUCATION
​I received my B.A. in psychology from the University of California at Davis, my Psy.D. (doctoral degree in clinical psychology) from the California School of Professional Psychology, and my MSCP (masters degree in clinical psychopharmacology) from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition to advanced couples therapy, I am trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing), life coaching, clinical supervision, and forensic examination. I am licensed by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners and the Virginia Board of Psychology.
LIFE
​I am a California girl making my home in Oregon after a long stretch on the East Coast. I've been married to Eric for over 12 years, and we share four young adult children and our new foster son, all whom make us proud. On a rainy day you might find me reading with my dog, Mishka, on my lap and a cup of chai tea by my side. I look forward to simple rituals with Eric, such as movie and pizza night, and cheering for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
I delight in exploring the still woods of the Pacific Northwest, listening to the call of the ocean, and trying new vegan recipes. I am currently challenged by hot yoga and "Marie Kondo-ing" my home!