Therapy is a passion of mine and one that began back in high school years ago and has remained strong through my educational journey. I hold a bachelors of science degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in the field of developmental psychology with a minor in women's studies and a masters degree from Santa Clara University in the field of marriage and family therapy.  I am also a board-certified professional counselor and member of the California Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).

I am a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT) but I bring in a variety of treatment modalities when necessary.  In general however, my main treatment method is CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal oriented treatment that is focused on changing the patterns of thinking and/or behaviors that are behind ones struggles. CBT is a solution focused approach to treatment that explores how our thoughts and behaviors positively or negatively affect our feelings. Therapy with me, in my private practice, tends to focus on exploring the relationship between ones thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to ones feelings.  CBT has been shown to be an effective form of therapy for individuals suffering from eating disorders, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), postpartum depression(PPD) and many more.

In addition to my current private practice work, I spent 8 years working as an intern and then licensed therapist at Community Health and Awareness Council (CHAC) in Mountain View, where I saw individuals at the agency and teens at the local continuation high school. For two of those years, I worked as the Assistant Director in CHAC’s  New Outlooks Program where my work focused on adolescents struggling with substance use and abuse issues.

Outside of my practice I enjoy writing and have had a few of my articles published in local magazines or online therapy resources. I have had a few articles features in M Magazine.  My article on super moms can be found here:  “Super Mom, is she real or a Myth” .  And my article on Postpartum Depression(PPD) can be found here. (click here for the PPD article in PDF format)

In the more distant past you can see me on TV at the local level talking about bullying in our schools. I not only help the child but also their parents deal with the complicated task of empowering children though the unfortunate reality of bullying.  The original interview presented by Mom’s are Talking airing January 2011 about girl bullying. You will also find me on a live taping (originally airing November 30th, 2010) of Breaking the Stigma of Bullying presented by Adolescent Counseling Services of Palo Alto.

Lastly, but most certainly not the least, I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a pet owner, a sister, a daughter, a volleyball player, and much more.  I am constantly practicing the art of work/life/self/marriage balance sometimes successfully, sometimes not! Each day is a new chance at the practice of awareness so I walk that walk just like so many others out there. I am also, not so secretly, obsessed with my rescue rabbits (I currently have 3) . I love all 5 of my animals but there is nothing cuter then bunnies and from time to time you may see a bunny picture or two come across my blog...and if you are reading this you will understand why : )