Welcome and thank you for visiting!

Welcome! I am a Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice in Orange County. Connect withe me today for a complimentary phone consultation (949) 441-1372 to discuss your interest in therapy and learn more about my approach.

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In my experience, the best outcomes are achieved through building a partnership with each client, wherein my knowledge of mental health and well-being is joined with each client's expertise of his/her life. Active collaboration and input from clients contributes to a clearer picture of current goals, stressors or obstacles, and how to cope effectively or overcome them in order to decrease stress and improve quality of life.

I help my clients gain a deeper understanding of current issues as well as build effective coping strategies for overcoming stressors through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness based approaches, which are both supported by research for their effectiveness.

Using CBT techniques we identify the relationship between each client's unique thoughts, feelings, and behavior and how they impact happiness, stress, and well-being. We work together to fine tune those that contribute to stress and we actively build skills to increase confidence to handle the wide array of human emotions inherent in living a full life. Another effective approach is Mindfulness.

Mindfulness techniques are also used in order to help clients connect with the present moment in order to feel fully alive, centered, and focused. Mindfulness techniques are also aimed at helping clients identify their current personal values so that their responses to each moment can stay on track with and move them closer to those values and goals.

I feel privileged to have worked with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and Veterans representing a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds. I have applied my skills as a therapist and clinical supervisor in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, non-profit organizations, and the Veterans Administration.

I apply my knowledge, support, therapeutic skills, and insight to each individually tailored session as I work with you to achieve your goals, improve relationships, decrease stress, and overcome current struggles.

License
Psychologist - California Board of Psychology License # PSY24533

Education

• Ph.D. Counseling, Clinical, School Psychology - Clinical Emphasis - University of California, Santa Barbara - 2010

• M.A. Counseling Psychology - University of California, Santa Barbara - 2006

• B.A. Psychology and University Honors Program Graduate - California State University, Long Beach - 2004

• Université De Paris, Sorbonne - Study Abroad - 1998, 1999

Previous Clinical Experience

• PTSD Specialty Clinic Postdoctoral Fellow, Mental Health - Long Beach VA Healthcare System

• Psychology Intern - VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles Ambulatory Care  Center and Veterans Affairs East Los Angeles PTSD Community-Based Outpatient Clinic

• Intervention Facilitator; Substance Abuse Program for Teens - RAND Corporation

• UCSB Hosford Counseling and Psychological Services Center - Clinical Supervisor and Therapist

• Registered Psychological Assistant - Child Abuse Listening Mediation (C.A.L.M.)

• Koegel Autism Center - Behavior Therapist

• Neuropsychological Assessment Assistant - Long Beach VA Healthcare System

• Private Applied Behavioral Analysis Aide - Lovaas Method

Honors and Awards

• Chief Postdoctoral Fellow - Long Beach VA Healthcare System (2010)

• Philip and Aida Siff Educational Foundation Graduate Fellowship (2008)

• Council of Directors of Clinical Psychology Student Liaison (2006-2008)

• Employee of the Month - Child Abuse Listening Mediation (C.A.L.M.)  (February, 2007)

• Annual Student Caucus Grant Competition Reviewer - Association for Psychological Science  (2007)

• Admissions Committee - University of California, Santa Barbara (2004-2006)

• Distinguished Student - College of Liberal Arts, California State University, Long Beach (Spring 2003)

• President’s Honor List  - California State University, Long Beach (Fall 2001, Spring 2002, Fall 2002, and Spring 2003)

• Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology (Inducted 2003)

• Psi Chi Student Representative College of Liberal Arts - California State University, Long Beach (2003-2004)

• Golden Key National Honor Society (Inducted 2003)

• President’s Student Advisory Board - California State University, Long Beach (2003- 2004)