More Info About My Practice

Currently, I am in the process of being added to a number of insurance companies, as a provider. I do work on a sliding scale, and will work with you on providing psychotherapy at a reasonable rate. I do take Master Card and Visa, for your convenience, as well as cash and checks. I do, occasionally work with my therapy pup "Boos," so please let me know if this is an option you would like to explore, or not.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Being part of the OC Department of Ed.'s Crisis Response Team, I am very familiar with trauma and crisis involving children and adults. I am Red Cross Certified for Crisis Response, as well as certified in "Suicide Assist". Having worked many years for the Irvine Unified School District, I am very well aware of issues related to child development and behavior issues that arise during the school years. I particularly enjoy working with kiddos on the "Spectrum", as well as students with ADHD. I can also provide a diagnosis of ADHD (if ADHD criteria- DSM 5 is met) is needed.

Additionally, I work closely with substance use issues, individually, and within the family.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy can help clarify what the issues are, and offer opportunities to work through issues with a caring professional qualified to help guide the process. Most individuals find that they feel better after working through issues that have been problematic for them. Sometimes, the issue lies within the family dynamics, and each member of the family needs help in working together, as a team.

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a process in which the therapist helps the individual, and/or family members identify and work through issues that have been troublesome in their past or present; and teaches them different coping strategies so they might react differently in the future. For young folks, psychotherapy explores why current behavior is problematic for them, and teaches them effective ways of coping that might result in a better outcome for them. For very young children, Play Therapy is most effective, in helping them work through the issues that are playing out in their behavior. Play helps children to connect with what is bothering them on a safe, non-threatening level, where they can "get it out".