About

I earned my B.A. at UCLA in 2001 and my Psy.D. at California School of Professional Psychology in 2008. I have practiced and taught in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSD from 2007-2014. I have also worked in private practice for the past 12 years treating families, couples, and individuals. I see patients in La Jolla and Solana Beach and offer consultation services for families considering divorce. I have testified in court for family divorce issues as well as for patient’s who have drug and alcohol problems. My treatment approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to offer clients effective and quick ways to change behavior and use more adaptive thinking styles to approach life challenges and stress. I also use existential psychotherapy approaches to help enhance self-awareness, insight, develop empathy and confidence in one’s personal relationships and professional settings. Both approaches integrate mindfulness exercises such as breathing, meditating, and self-care through healthy life-style choices as a way to improve psychological health and well-being.

Personally, I am passionate about being a mother of two children and participating in my community. Through these life experiences, I have gained an understanding of the joys and struggles that accompany marriage and parenthood, which has supported my ability to empathize with the challenges my clients endure. My own journey of life, personal growth and development help me to work with clients in their experiences.