My Approach to Helping
People trust me - they just do. You clients come upset, angry, sad or even desperate - and want most to feel I 'get' you and quickly gain confidence the therapy will really help. I love my work - helping you find your way back to your 'old and best self' to restore your peace and happiness. I'm friendly, caring and wise. When an adult feels like she isn't living the life she wants, partners are upset with each other, or kids and parents are at each others' throats, my job is to help you not just find "tools" but actually experience healing.
You may not be sure what you want, but you sure know when your needs aren't getting met! This is what I do for people - help you discover what you really want, what you need, and help you figure out how to get them - using my compassion, insight and experience.
More Info About My Practice
You are welcome to a free initial phone call to check me out and see how well I fit your personality and needs. For payment, I take cash, check and PayPal or credit card. For those who want to draw upon insurance, I can provide coded receipts which you can turn in for reimbursement. Except for MediCal-CCAH-Beacon, which my interns and I do take, I'm considered an "out-of-network" provider. Check with your insurer to find out about your deductible and whether they'll reimburse you for an "out-of-network" provider. Please do note that using insurance means the company will have your diagnosis and treatment on record, so if you want more privacy and can pay cash, then it's better for you to leave them out of it.
I've treated about 2,400 adults and teenagers over the past 24 years. Until 2011 when I moved down here to this great beach town and opened my private practice, I worked for Butte County Mental Health up North in Chico, Oroville and Paradise. There I was exposed to all kinds of mental conditions of adults and youth, handling crises and consulting with clients' families, MDs, probation officers and psychiatrists. Having semi-retired now in Santa Cruz, I have a flexible part-time practice, enjoying helping adults, couples, parents and teens.
If I am not personally available, I recommend my two very able interns Robin Austin and Judy Patton. They are indeed younger than I am (I'm 73 going strong, but they're in their 30s and 40s). Yet they're by no means naive newbies. I chose them carefully for their fine minds, maturity, intuition and caring attitude. They've both had loads of valuable experience with clients. Of course I will be involved behind the scenes - providing ideas and contributing to your treatment in my supervision.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I work with couples who feel they're in serious trouble, as well as others who are wisely coming in just to enhance their sexual intimacy, calm their conversations or increase cooperation at home. I also see women, men and teens who just feel confused, lost, sad or anxious. With everyone, I have fun helping them restore their moods, listen more lovingly to each other, and get rid of the interaction patterns that are causing their distress.
With anyone who's distressed, I am great at reducing the terrible effects of trauma (PTSD), that make people feel panicky, angry, fearful, avoidant, depressed and anxious. I use special therapeutic techniques called EMDR and IFS which go way below the surface to alleviate the underlying damage. This prevents upsetting interactions in the present from retriggering past trauma and harming relationships. Working together, you and I can actually permanently change your traumatic memories into much calmer ones, making you feel much happier relating to others.
So for everybody, instead of an anxious mess, life can start feeling more like a spring day, with the return of ease, warmth, self-confidence, energy, good spirit and, yes, joy!
