CREDENTIALS/DISCIPLINE: Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Diplomate Academy of Cognitive Therapy Member Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
BOARD CERTIFIED: Yes-Board of Psychology in California
Number of years treating patients with eating disorders: 10+ years
Number of patients with eating disorders I treat annually: 15+
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERTISE: I received my classroom education at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. I received my practical education through work at inner city community clinics and the VA in Palo Alto (PTSD unit). My internship was at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. I have a seen a wide variety of clients, often with multiple issues including eating, anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. I have been independently licensed and in private practice since 2002.
TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY: I love working with clients who are depressed, anxious, or have some other problem weighing them down, working with them for a relatively short period of time, although some take longer, and seeing them become energized and passionate about their lives. I see myself as a coach or guide applying effective cognitive and behavioral tecniques to help my clients find their way to mental health and happiness.
Yes, I believe that recovery is possible and I define it as: Recovery is getting to the place where the problems are manageable. There is always the possibility of having urges/twinges/desires to behave in an unhealthy fashion. The goal is to get in the habit of taking care of yourself most of the time. Taking care of yourself as a whole person reduces the risk of relapse and increases the possibility of dealing with it well if it does happen. When life throws difficulties, recovery is being able to say “This is difficult. I could choose to behave the old way, but I’m going to make a better choice to meet my needs.
FEES: Cash, Credit Cards, Personal Checks, Insurance-If “Provider out of the network” in a PPO- Patient needs to apply for reimbursement.