DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL PRACTICE

"You can look the whole world over and never find anyone more deserving of love than yourself." This quotation from the Buddha informs and inspires my clinical practice. I'm aware of how hard we are on ourselves; how we berate and punish ourselves for mistakes and imperfections. How difficult it is to love and honor ourselves! I help clients to appreciate and accept who they are. Therapy isn't about becoming another person. It's about overcoming shame and fear to know who you are.

My approach is supportive, interactive, and compassionate. I utilize insight approaches, but also believe that insight alone usually isn't enough. Cognitive/behavioral methods may allow clients to counteract negative and self-defeating patterns. Guided imagery and visualizations can promote well-being and centeredness, as well as release of feelings. Mindfulness helps clients to pay attention to their experience and feelings in the moment.

My areas of interest include: relationships, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and work issues. I am particularly interested in helping clients cope with chronic pain and illness; I published a self-help book in 1999 entitled, "Living Well with a Hidden Disability."

VIPASSANA/MEDITATION BACKGROUND

I have practiced vipassana for 19 years, and have attended about a dozen retreats. I have a daily practice. With interested clients, I can integrate vipassana into therapy by allowing time to breathe and become mindful of the moment.

RELEVANT CLINICAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

I've worked at a variety of settings since graduating with my MSW from UC Berkeley in 1985, including nonprofit agencies, an HMO, and the county government. My training includes coursework in existential therapy, cognitive/behavioral therapy, and anxiety treatment.