I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT #45452) in California. I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years, in private practice, social service agencies, and clinical research settings. My experience in research has allowed me to see first-hand which therapy techniques produce effective results. As a result, I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Gottman Method couples therapy. I also incorporate 12-Step and family systems principles as appropriate. I’ve learned that different people respond to different approaches, and I modify my methods accordingly for each client. You are unique and deserve a treatment plan tailored especially for you.
In my private practice, I work with individuals who struggle with binge eating, compulsive eating, chronic dieting, and the associated anxiety and perfectionism. My goal is to help you find peace with your body, weight, and food, so you can accept, respect, and love yourself for the unique individual you are.
My therapeutic style is active and engaged, helping you to gain insight and understanding along with making desired changes in your life. As a relationship specialist, I also focus on strengthening your communication skills, to help you connect better with other people – and yourself. I believe that everyone has a core Self with which we’re born which is inherently healthy, wise, and courageous, that sometimes we lose contact with this Self, and that it’s possible to regain and strengthen this Self.
I conducted clinical research studies for 18 years at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA Medical Center, UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, and UCLA’s School of Dentistry, in the areas of psychoneuroimmunology (mind/body medicine), depression, auto-immune disorders, substance abuse, ADHD, and PTSD. I’ve seen how significantly our emotional health and relationships can affect our physical well-being, and vice versa. Investing in your psychological and spiritual well-being can be profoundly healing on many levels.
I have also lectured and led numerous classes in the practice of mindfulness, healthy vs. emotional eating, self-compassion, happiness, managing anxiety, and enhancing emotional and physical health, for UCLA psychiatric residents and the community. I enjoy running groups on the art of happiness and resilience, among many topics related to personal growth. The journey is never-ending!
I received my Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of California at Los Angeles. Prior to my studies at UCLA, I spent several years at Northwestern University as a theater major. Starting in my childhood I trained as both a flutist and singer, and as a result I have a great appreciation for the power of art and music as therapeutic tools. I obtained my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I have post-graduate training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Shame-Informed Therapy, and Gottman Couples Therapy. In addition, I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), respecting the emotional, spiritual, and physiological pillars of healing and well-being.