I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist deeply committed to helping people improve the quality of their lives and to find a sense of well-being. I work with a range of clients, with a special emphasis on those age 50+. I work with individuals, couples and families who are searching for help navigating life's complexities. Through my education and own life experiences, I offer a blend of approaches with the goal of helping my clients succeed.
Early in my career I earned a B.S. from U.S.C. and worked in the healthcare field. I then met my amazing husband of over 30 years, and focused on raising our three, now adult, children. While enjoying the wonders and intricacies of raising a family, I also had the experience and honor to be a caregiver to my parents and other family members. Although this was a gratifying, fulfilling, and often exhausting time, I felt drawn to continue my education, with an interest in helping people a different way. In 2009 I entered Antioch University Graduate School and earned my M.A. degree in clinical psychology. Over the past several years I have worked at Family Service Agency (the oldest non-profit in Santa Barbara), as a clinical counselor seeing a range of clients. I started their first Caregiver's Support Group, and I was on the ground floor of the development of the Senior Services Program, focusing on seniors and caregivers.
Through my time at FSA my love for this field has blossomed. I earned a Mental Health Certificate from Boston University's Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research Program. And, I eventually started my own private practice for individuals, couples and families with special emphasis on seniors and caregivers. I have become involved with various mental health organizations in Santa Barbara, and am dedicated to continuing my education and development in the field of psychotherapy. I believe that it is my professional and ethical responsibility to continue to grow as a therapist. Being open to new research, insights and information in this dynamic field will allow me to help my clients as they navigate, grow and evolve as well.
My style in therapy is to begin with compassion and understanding, and a healthy therapeutic alliance, which is client-centered. I may blend cognitive therapy, solution-focused, psychodynamic, or other methods in my highly personalized approach tailored to each client. My greatest joy is sitting with a client and being a part of a discovery, helping them build on their strengths, to achieve personal growth and a greater sense of well-being.
I have memberships/affiliations with: APA, AAMFT, CAMFT, CAMFT Santa Barbara, Psychology Today, The Santa Barbara Foundation
I have a published article in Noozhawk under Senior Living: "For Caregivers, Taking Time for Self-Care is Vital" ( http://www.noozhawk.com/article/050611_for_caregivers_taking_time_for_self-care_is_vital )
