About Me

My area of expertise is in supporting clients experiencing complex trauma and dissociation. I am passionate about working with addiction & dual pathologies, PTSD, attachment-related issues, sexual and psychological abuse, phase-of-life transitions, and grief and loss. Alongside credentials as an EMDR Certified Clinician and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, I am also trained in the EMDR advanced progressive approach for trauma and dissociation; and Internal Family Systems. Additionally, I am a certified Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, Certified Sandplay Therapist, and have a certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies and Research from CIIS in San Francisco. I have also completed certification requirements for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families. I enjoy presenting at National and International conferences & workshops. I bring issues into focus with a trauma-informed, depth psychological, person-centered, relational perspective. My strengths are compassion, the capacity to deal with intense emotions, and a deep curiosity in order to understand my client’s internal world. Throughout my professional clinical experience, I have addressed and explored trauma in a multitude of settings. In South Africa, I lived and worked as an HIV program developer, psychosocial trainer, and consultant, and led a team of social workers to develop & establish a fully accredited diversion program for youth in conflict with the law with an emphasis on community restorative justice, substance abuse awareness, and leadership. I conducted psychotherapy training for trauma-based organizations in Swaziland and provided trauma therapy, advocacy, and life-skills training for Zimbabwean refugees, people living with and affected by HIV in high transmission areas, and EMDR to first responders working with Doctors without Borders. I have also had extensive experience as a wilderness therapist providing intensive acute trauma-informed care to emerging young adults. My ongoing private therapy and consultation practice with locations in Beverly Hills and Redondo Beach CA specializes in acute & complex trauma and dissociation, trauma and addictions, and phase-of-life transitions. At the heart of my beliefs is that creating meaningful connections is the cornerstone of healing. Formerly an NCAA Division 1 collegiate gymnast and team captain, I owned and operated a gymnastics academy for 20 years, and incorporated strength-based psychotherapy with coaching techniques for a whole-person mind-body approach to establish resiliency, empowerment, and sustainable life skills. In my personal time, I enjoy gardening, beekeeping, hiking, travel, CrossFit, yoga, and my beautiful children and grandbabies.