DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL PRACTICE
As a therapist I am trained to work with the whole person, meeting my patient right where they are. I believe that the pain of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that lead individuals to therapy can be transformed through the therapeutic relationship that develops in the work. I trust that people come to therapy seeking a more authentic happiness; and I work as best as I can to help clients let go of concepts and mistaken views of themselves that have led to more pain and confusion. I work with individuals, couples, children and families, bringing warmth and understanding to the relationships and life problems that surround us.

VIPASSANA/MEDITATION BACKGROUND
I have been practicing Vipassana meditation for eleven years. The practice of mindfulness meditation has helped to bring clarity and vitality to my life and work. My meditation practice has deepened my ability to have direct contact with disowned emotions, to develop trust, and to examine deeply held and self-defeating concepts. I maintain a daily sitting practice, attend residential retreats, practice yoga, and study the dharma. I have completed the Dedicated Practitioners Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.

RELEVANT CLINICAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
For seventeen years I have worked with a diverse clientele and a wide range of problems. From 1993-2005, my clinical home was Family Service Agency of Marin where I worked with adults and children experiencing distress, mental health crises, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, abuse, substance abuse, and serious emotional disturbances. At the agency, I also supervised interns and trainees.

I have also trained in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) under Dr. Zindel Segal. MBCT is an innovative, clinically proven treatment that encourages patients to play an active role in preventing the return of depression by integrating elements of mindfulness-based meditative practice with cognitive therapy. This type of learning is experiential in nature and often involves developing a capacity to allow distressing feelings, thoughts, and sensations to occupy awareness, without trying to change them, replace them with other thoughts, or fix anything about them.