About Me
I developed my counseling style working with clients who are in various stages of their life. From different cultural backgrounds, people who identify as gay, straight or individuals who are married, divorced or on the autism spectrum. Individuals who have had a loss of career or know what it is like to lose a loved one. Some clients simply want to take their life, career and relationship to the next level and needs a plan to get there. The richness of these experiences helped me to understand that every client comes to therapy with different needs, which led me to develop an eclectic approach. I draw on a variety of different theoretical models. Having said that, I tend to favor approaching the therapeutic process using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as taking a mindful approach towards understanding ourselves and our relationships. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University where I majored in Communication and Fine Arts. I worked extensively in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. I have had the privilege of working with so many creative musicians, songwriters and managers. I also spent many years in the recording studio. I went through a transitional period and decided to pursue my lifelong interest in Psychology. I returned to graduate school and earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Following graduate school, I trained at the Southern California Counseling Center for three years as well as Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services.
During my internship, I worked at a school for children with special needs, mainly focusing on autism. Since 2003, I have specialized in working with families, siblings, caregivers and children who have a diagnosis or have been affected by Autism offering support and behavior change strategies. For many years I worked as a behavior analyst in the home and school setting creating behavior change programs while teaching parents these strategies. I use a positive approach to change behavior through reward systems. Recently, I have begun to support these families in crisis in a different setting, through parent support groups, parent education and consultation. I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. I have volunteered extensively at Autism Speaks and at Autism Society of America. I have been in private practice since 2006.