Who I am

I practiced in the Bay Area for many decades, and for over 10 years now have practiced in Portland, Oregon as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  I was classically trained as a psychodynamic therapist, but currently utilize body-centered techniques, mindfulness and somatic healing in much of the work I do with clients. In addition, over the years, I have come to identify with humanistic-existential methodology. I believe this approach to therapy encourages people to find presence and healing in their lives by focusing on each daily moment in an authentic, dynamic and awe-inspiring way. 

I graduated May of 1998 with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, California. That degree also included specializations in Child and Adolescent Treatment, Expressive Arts Therapy and Animal Assisted Therapy.
 

Since then, my experience has included working with individuals, couples, families and groups of high-risk youth, women, men, couples, families and animals dealing with trauma and violence in a variety of settings including private practice, the Oakland School District, Herrick Psychiatric Hospital in Berkeley, CA, Contra Costa County Juvenile facilities and several different residential treatment facilities.  I've also had the pleasure of being the clinical program manager for the animal assisted therapy program for the Chris Adam’s Girls Center and Tony Larusssa’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Martinez CA. 

Today, my private practice in Portland  offers individual and group support for people dealing with vicarious trauma. I  also spend a good deal of time in Africa each year, volunteering and working with wildlife and people who experience vicarious trauma in the field of animal management and conservation.  This invaluable privilege allows me to assist with issues occurring over poaching, snaring, and human encroachment conflict. 

Most recently, I began leading healing journeys in Africa where people can participate in an amazing traditional safari experience alongside group psychotherapy. These trips are designed to awaken a deep sense of awareness and healing while exploring the depths of the African bush. 

This work combines my love for animals and conservation, my commitment to assisting others in their healing journey, and my awareness of human impact on the environment.  For me, being in nature is one facet of deep connection with oneself.   I believe it allows a lifeline to feeling both engaged with and protective of the world’s fragile ecosystem., thus allowing us to connect deeply with ourselves while creating positive changes in the world and within our own being.