My therapeutic approach is integral and informed by a spiritual perspective. I weave current modalities with ancient traditions. While serving as a compassionate witness, I blend a mindful approach with a direct and straightforward style. I integrate humor with supportive reflection and practical feedback. I offer optional homework, and am an advocate of bibliotherapy, as well as cinematherapy.
In my experience I have found that shame is at the root of so much suffering. Self-criticism and judgment can keep us stuck in our heads and out of touch with our hearts. Defenses, not feelings themselves, can cause us to get stuck. We become too busy managing our anxiety to be able to see what lies beneath. And yet, we all have an inherent drive towards health, healing, and making sense of our lives in a deep and integrative manner. We are wired for growth. The decision to wholly engage in your life may be daunting, but it’s also liberating. Learning how to accept and work with our feelings takes courage, but the reward is high: access to inner resources and resilience that are your birthright.
Among the modalities I draw from are: Gestalt, EMDR, Mindfulness skills, Focusing, Voice Dialogue, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment and Neurobiology, and Accelerated Effective Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP).
Sliding scale fee is available. I welcome phone calls to get a sense of whether we are a good fit for working together, and there is no charge.
QUALIFICATIONS
I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS).
I am a registered Marriage and Family Therapist California, MFT #77072.
MEMBERSHIPS
Association of Family Therapists of Northern California (AFTNC)
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
San Francisco Chapter of CAMFT (SFCAMFT)
East Bay Chapter of CAMFT (EBCAMFT)
American Adoption Congress (AAC)