What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
Comfort with each other; having the client feeling safe and supported by the therapist. In order for therapy to proceed there has to be an alliance between client and therapist. Research has shown the therapeutic relationship is key to working together and producing the best results.
What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
There is consistent feedback to ascertain where we are and where we are going. The client may feel success with a greater sense of control and increased pleasure in life. It is their perception that counts, not mine.
What is your style/approach to therapy?
I will provide an emotional atmosphere of trust and safety, to listen carefully, to help the client examine their thoughts and feelings, to gain insights, to encourage the choice of meaningful goals to work with. I am told I have a warm personal presence combined with gentle humor and an enthusiastic, optimistic style. I will choose from a variety of methods the best ones suited for each client. It is a collaborate journey.
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.
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.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
Coping Skills
Coping skills are tools and techniques one can learn, practice, and use to handle difficult emotions, decrease stress, and establish or maintain a sense of internal order.
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.
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.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is fear of social situations or a fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent, intense, and debilitating, greatly affecting daily life.
Fees
$150
First Session
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Eclectic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Hypnotherapy
Training / Certifications
Medical Hypnosis ASCH Crisis Intervention and Debriefing ARC
Licensure
CA, Psychologist, PSY18217
FL, Psychologist, PY3416
Education
PhD, Psychology, University of Miami
MEd, Counseling Psychology, University of Miami
BA, Psychology, University of Miami
AA, Physical Therapy, Keystone College
Work History
Began studying Physical Therapy but Psychology as a minor won me over. I have spent my working life in private practice with so many wonderful people. Being able to work as a Psychologist has been a life gift. Working with someone who is interested in learning more about themselves and their life is gratifying. There are many life stressors and many ways to move toward a sense of control and pleasure in life. I have studied, and used, a number of techniques. I have taught, done public speaking, designed courses, created three CDs for client use, and would enjoy showing you new methods to help now and the future. I would like to help you shift your perceptions to clear the way to create positive changes.
Location
,, Laguna Hills, 92637, CA