I received a dual masters in Social Work and Public Health from Columbia University in 1999, and continued in counseling diverse populations at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, American Red Cross, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and Mount Sinai Hospital, all in New York City.  In each of these venues, I worked with adolescents, adults, couples, groups and families.  I have been honored to grow professionally under the experience of many seasoned, talented and expert mentors. I have a background and appreciation for ethnic, racial, spiritual, and sexual diversity.  

As a mother of two, I am intimately familiar with the difficulties of balancing personal, family, and work responsibilities.  I am a Berkeley native and a graduate of the Berkeley Public School system.  I grew up in a family of psychotherapists, scientists, and social workers.  Having worked through my own early childhood trauma, fears and conditioning, I have come to have a deep appreciation and empathy for what people must undergo to move beyond childhood crises and achieve a healthy stable lifestyle.

I am also the founder of Urban Brushfire, a non-profit organization creating indoor and outdoor collaborative community murals using therapeutic group process as a tool for self-expression. I enjoy using creativity and am interested in aspects of life which dwell in the imagination.  As a psychotherapist, I have a desire to infuse my work with these same interests.  For more information about Urban Brushfire, please visit: HYPERLINK "http://www.urbanbrushfire.com"www.urbanbrushfire.com

I specialize in working with people experiencing transitions and difficult life changes, including:

Relationship Status:

Transitioning from being single to committed or married to divorced

Marital discord

Premarital counseling

Communication enhancement and/or breakdown

Stress management for the bride-to-be

Communication skills

Stress related to isolation, separation, or loneliness

General Wellness

Developing satisfying relationships

Anxiety

Depression

Self-esteem

Work-related stress

Pregnancy and Motherhood

Family planning and pregnancy decisions

Postpartum depression

Identity changes associated with being a stay-at-home mom or returning to work

Work/life balance

Adapting to the stresses and complexities of family life        

Adolescence to Adulthood

School/life balance

Sexual/gender identity, including coming out

Cultural identity questions

Academic challenges, high school to college transitions, and adjusting to college life

Family roles and shifts related to the family system

Chronic Illness

HIV/AIDS

Cancer

Families affected by loved ones suffering from chronic illness

I offer:

a solid presence.

a fresh, down-to-earth, and direct point of view.

creativity and use of the arts as a tool for expression and self-growth.

humor to assist you in overcoming challenging obstacles in your life.

People have described me as inquisitive, insightful, curious, creative, warm, and honest.

Working with me, you will be accepted and valued for who you are and where you are in your life.  Together, we will proceed at an appropriate pace that is right for you in resolving personal and relationship dilemmas.  I will strive to assist you in transcending whatever obstacles are blocking you from manifesting fully who you are and what you want to be doing in your life.   

The method I employ in assisting people to these ends includes an eclectic blend of many psychological methods.  This includes AEDP, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive and behavioral modalities, solution focused therapy, presence therapy, as well as creative oriented approaches.  

I am also an artist and enjoy working with people to move through barriers to creativity.   Additionally, I work with groups, in using the arts to visualize human experience while simultaneously growing more deeply in relationship to one another.   

When we begin, we will discuss what brings you to seek therapy, scheduling, fees, and any questions you may have about my experience and practice.  If you feel I would be helpful to you, we will schedule an initial session. The initial session is an opportunity for you to meet me and share with me more about yourself.  This also gives you a sense of how I work and how you will feel talking with me. If, for whatever reason, it doesn't feel like the right fit for you, I will provide you with a referral so you can find the right therapist for you and your needs.

Sessions are generally 50 minutes long. Typically we will meet once per week, although in certain instances, we may agree for you to come more or less often.   

I accept cash or check at the beginning of our sessions.  I do not accept any insurance, however I can provide you documentation of our work for you to submit to you insurance company for possible reimbursement.

I offer a flexible schedule, morning and evening hours, and house visits for new mothers when possible.   

My office is conveniently located just off College Avenue in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, easily accessible to parking, BART and many buses routes.

If this sounds like what you are seeking, please contact me.

Intake Questionnaire

Practice Policies

HCFA 1500