Professional Background
As a clinical psychologist in private practice in Pasadena, I work with adolescent and adult individuals, couples, and families, providing both short-term problem-focused treatment as well as more long-term intensive therapy.
I received a doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2013 from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco, CA. I completed my pre-doctoral training at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Cal Poly Pomona. I subsequently completed a two-year, post-doctoral training program at Rose City Center (RCC) in Pasadena, with an emphasis in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
With over 6 years of experience, my areas of specialty and clinical interest include:Life Transitions
- Cross-cultural Issues
- Trauma and PTSD
- Loss and Mourning
- Gender and Sexuality
- Relationship Issues
- Chronic Pain/Medical Diagnosis
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Substance Abuse
- Parenting Training/Assistance
- Eating Disorders
- Anger Management
- Intimacy/Sexual Problems
- Sex/Pornography Addiction
- Codependency Issues
- Creativity
- Work Satisfaction
*For a more comprehensive description of my professional qualifications, please see my Curriculum Vita.
Treatment Approach
My approach is integrative, drawing primarily from psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, as well as existential, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused perspectives. In therapy, I focus my attention on helping patients to integrate the insight and understanding of past experiences with a focus on changing their present in practical and dynamic ways.
Research has indicated that a key element in positive therapeutic change is the relationship between the therapist and each patient. In order for someone to feel they can discuss those aspects of their life that are most troubling and often deeply personal, it is important that they feel safe and understood. I recognize the uniqueness of individual’s life experiences, motivations, and potential. I strive to develop an interactive, non-judgmental, and collaborative relationship with each of my patients, with the ultimate goal of facilitating personal growth and greater self-awareness.
Meeting with a therapist for the first time can elicit a variety of feelings; it can be met with a sense of excitement, uncertainty, anxiety, and even relief. People entering treatment often want to know if their therapist has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to provide them with the help they need.
One way to determine if I may be able to help you is to schedule a time for us to talk. I offer a free initial phone consultation, where we can discuss your interest in therapy and address any questions you may have for me. From there, you can begin to get a sense of whether I may be a good therapeutic match for you.
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