I earned my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work in 2003 from the University of Denver, became licensed in psychotherapy in 2010, have been trained in multiple Evidenced Based Practices and am certified in Ecopsychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.  I have worked in many settings such as Psychotherapist at the University of California Santa Cruz, Adjunct Professor for Graduate Programs in Social Work and Psychology, and Director of multiple mental heath inpatient and outpatient programs since 2003.  I have also supplemented my education with extensive cultural studies/travel throughout Northern, Central and South America, Asia, Eastern Europe, Europe and Africa which helps me to look critically at our own cultural and societal norms, some which no longer serve us.

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In my experience, I have found profound lasting changes in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with parts work together in nature.  In CBT we work to explore your stressors, the beliefs behind them, and how they affect you.  We then look objectively at these beliefs and thoughts and the emotions they bring forth and corresponding actions.  We work to open your mind to alternative, rational, nonjudgemental thoughts that reflect the bare truth leading to insights that are in sync with reality.  In parts work, we look at our different parts that form our whole and look to see if there is any inner conflict that may be getting you stuck, giving these parts a voice, and looking at how this may be a part of you that is protecting you but this protection may no longer be needed.  The results are liberating, leading to a healthy and flexible sense of self and increased self esteem.  When you no longer have self-defeating thoughts and disabling emotions, you are confident and adeptly able to achieve your aspirations.  More information on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is provided on the "Helpful Information and Resources" section of this website.

Holistic Wellness Compliments Therapy

I am in love with nature!  I am a permitted wildlife rehabilitator and find so much truth in life when I turn to learn my lessons from tiny insects to old oak trees, from coyotes to the stars up above.  Instead of being detached, connecting with life from these perspectives adds compassion and depth to our experience in life.  There is a multitude of studies showing the benefits of incorporating nature in the healing process.  For those looking to overcome depression and/or anxiety and wish to develop a holistic mind/body approach, along with psychotherapy, we can develop a simple plan which incorporates daily walks/exercise, nutritional strategies addressing the gut-brain connection, and mindfulness activities, all based on current evidenced based research, to return your body and mind to a connected and balanced state of wellbeing.  More information on research is provided in the "Helpful Information and Resources" section of this website.