my approach
I take an active role in helping you find your way back onto a path of meaningful direction. While I respect the need to create space and allow for silence and trust building I also don't sit on the side lines. I am there to help you find out what it is that is "wrong" and provide evidence based modalities or paths out of that particular issue. I like using the tools of cognitive behavioral therapy while also helping a person find kindness for themselves in identifying where the problem patterns originated. I have expertise in grief, recovery and co-dependency as well anxiety and depression.
"I can hold up the light, but you must walk." While I hold space and compassion for human suffering I am much more interested in helping you walk through it to the other side than to sit in it. I will always offer different paths out and provide background for my suggestions because I believe clients have a right to know how they are being guided and why.
Weather this is your first time in therapy or you are continuing your journey, reaching out is often one of the hardest steps and yet one of the most powerful on the road to change. I want make that leap as easy as possible. See bellow for my rates and availability as well as topic sections for more detailed descriptions of my approach to specific issues. The next step is to give me a call or send me an email to schedule a 15-30 minute free phone consultation to see if we are a good fit, then we can schedule a first session and go from there. I hope to hear from you soon!
Experience
Therapist
Marin Treatment Center - San Rafael, CA October 2017 to June 2018
Conduct weekly individual therapy using motivational interviewing modality for patients of the methadone clinic. Primary therapist to individuals utilizing the medication assisted addiction treatment for substance abuse in Marin. Address stages of change and trauma as needed.
Bereavement Therapist
Hospice By The Bay - Larkspur, CA September 2014 to October 2017
Conduct group and individual grief therapy for loved ones of Hospice By The Bay patients. Trained in Dual Process, Psychodynamic and Focus modalities among other grief models such as Warden’s tasks and the Stages of grief.
Intern Therapist
Tenderloin Out-Patient Clinic - San Francisco, CA September 2012 to May 2013
MSW school internship conducting individual and group therapy to residents of the tenderloin district of SF. Trained in motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches.
Mental Health Case Manager SF Homeless Outreach Team - San Francisco, CA October 2011 to July 2012
MSW internship working to house and obtain care for the chronically homeless population of San Francisoco.
Mental Health Case Manager
Rockbridge Area Community Services - Lexington, VA October 2010 to October 2011
Collaboration with an Assertive Community Treatment team to prevent re-hospitalization of the seriously mentally ill (SMI) living in Rockbridge County, VA. Provide case management to case load of 35 clients to assist reintegration and stabilization in the community. Conduct intake assessments, create individual treatment plans and weekly progress notes in compliance with Medicaid standards. Focus on outreach visits to client homes.
Research Assistant
Columbia University - New York, NY October 2008 to October 2009
Tested patients with schizophrenia and matched controls on cognitive aptitude. Attended bi-weekly diagnostic meetings for assessment and recruitment of patients. Organized and interpreted data with Excel and SPSS. Assisted with the preparation of presentations and manuscripts for publications. Co-authored on two publications.
Mental Health Case Manager
Conard House - San Francisco, Ca October 2007 to October 2008
Conducted Case Management and crisis prevention for the residents of the Aarti supported housing unit for the seriously mentally ill population of SF.
Suicide Hotline Counselor
2-1-1 United Way Suicide and Crisis Hotline - Charleston, SC September 2005 to May 2007
Trained in active listening and suicide assessment and prevention. Provided telephone counseling to those calling into hotline with crisis and suicidal idealization.