DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL PRACTICE
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years in the field of psychotherapy. I work holistically regarding my clients with honesty, compassion, kindness, respect and positive regard. From this holistic approach, my clients feel safe and become more deeply aware of what has been kept out of awareness. We then co-create the growth, change and transformation they desire. I am committed to this work because it brings so much joy to peoples lives when they heal and grow.

I employ psychodynamic and Gestalt therapies. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to increase your awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. Awareness is at the core of Gestalt therapy. Through awareness and experimentation with bodily sensations, emotional responses, desires and assumptions, you expand your range of choices about how you live. As you focus on your self-awareness as part of your present reality, new insights can be made into your behavior, and you can engage in self-healing.

I enjoy work with adults, couples and groups. My areas of specialization include: addiction/recovery, adults traumatized in childhood, anxiety/depression, gay/lesbian, grief and loss, life transitions, personal growth, self-esteem, stress management, relationship and intimacy issues.

VIPASSANA/MEDITATION BACKGROUND
I have had a meditation practice since 1989. I have been sitting vipassana meditation since 2001. I have attended several residential retreats, including the People of Color Retreats at Spirit Rock. I have also attended day-long workshops at both Spirit Rock and the East Bay Meditation Center since its inception. In February 2011, I will have completed a 10-month "Commit to Dharma" program with Larry Yang.

RELEVANT CLINICAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in industrial social work. Since graduation I have worked in a variety of settings including county and city governments, HMO's, outpatient and residential addiction/recovery treatment.

I also have a certification in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Institute of San Francisco.