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, we use the VENMO app, which keeps good track of things. To get you reimbursed by insurance, I provide monthly coded receipts which you then FAX to the ins. co. I’m considered an “out-of-network provider”, since I’m not listed on any insurance panels. I don’t take MediCal-CCAH-Beacon. Check with your insurer to find out about your deductible and whether they'll reimburse you for an "out-of-network" provider. .
I've treated about 3,400 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 can recommend several colleagues, including former interns of mine and other therapists whose work I value.
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 getting 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!
