I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in psychotherapy and hypnotherapy with individual, couples and familes.  I use a blend of conventional and alternative approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each individual client.  In addition to more traditional "talk therapy" modalities, I use mindfulness, meditation, and hypnotherapy, when appropriate, to achieve quicker and more lasting results.  My private practice is located in Newport Beach, California.

As a second career therapist, I came to Clinical Social Work and Counseling with a good amount of life experience already.  Working with such diverse populations as abused or abandoned foster children, at-risk teens and their families, alcohol and drug addicted youth and adults, eating disordered clients, frail homebound elderly, end-of-life hospice patients, and finally everyday fully functioning people dealing with life's stressors, there isnt much I haven't seen or heard!  What developed in me was insight and compassion for my fellow human beings which helps me work with sensitivity and without judgment. 

 My particular interest and strength is empowering clients to claim and achieve balanced, rewarding, successful lives.  Rather than rely solely on diagnosing a disorder, I like to help clients discover and emphasize those character traits and strengths, already existing within them!   I have also helped my clients find or develop their own spiritual practice(s). Development of these strengths and a sense of connectedness helps my clients to cope with future issues and challenges as well as to optimize their potential.

Education

Master of Social Work
California State University, Long Beach

Bachelor of Science, Human Services
California State University, Fullerton

License & Certifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of California
License # LCS 22705

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
American Board of Medical and Clinical Hypnosis

Certified LifeForce Yoga Practitioner, Level 1
LifeForce Yoga for Depression and Anxiety
LifeForceYoga.com

Professional Associations and Memberships:

Contemplative Psychotherapy.Net

National Association of Social Workers

Psychology Today Certified therapist
psychologytoday.com

Eating Disorders Referral and Resource Website
EDreferral.com