What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
When I was 14, my mother began her illness into Alzheimer's. In those days, there wasn't a term for this. All we knew is that she grew extremely irritable and aggressive. It's hard to watch this and not understand. Hence began my studies of psychology.
What does a first session with you look like?
I want to hear what brought you to therapy. Many folks say they "don't know where to start", but that's part of my job is to help you connect the dots, make sense of things, and express your emotions that create that feeling of being stuck. There's really no right or wrong way to begin.
What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
Sometimes there's a concrete goal, whether it be a job, school, or relationship changing. Other times, it's a sense that you have a "handle" on things. Changes might not be perfect, but you feel back in charge of yourself.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
General Expertise
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
College & graduate student issues
Issues arising from being in a new environment or away from home for the first time. College-aged kids have the highest rates of mental illness, suffering things like stress, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and substance abuse.
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
Men's health
Men’s health is regarded as the holistic being and experience of being male. This extends beyond consideration for illness and other complex conditions but to general considerations of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Issues may include socialized gender role, male reproductive issues, fatherhood, employment, divorce, substance use, et cetera.
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Family Therapy
$100
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Humanistic Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Licensure
CA, LMFT, 40170
Education
M.A. Counseling Psychology, Chapman University. M.A. General Psychology, Humboldt State University
Work History
Having done counseling and therapy for 25 years, I use many different techniques. I gravitate to DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) because it focuses on good judgment and balance in life. It's hard to be happy, when you're off balance! Most of my suggestions are usually specific, behavioral, and achievable! Sometimes that very small homework assignment is the nudge people need. I find this works with individuals and couples. Finally, people just need to be heard without judgment.
Location
412 E. Main Street, Suite E, Grass Valley, 95945, CA