Biography
I am a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco where I specialize in treating adults with depression, anxiety, relationship issue, trauma, as well as those who are coping with medical illness, either as a patient for a family member. I also have extensive experience with older adults and their children regarding coping with dementia or other medical illness. In addition, I see couples as well as families with adult children.
My therapeutic approach is active and engaging and I use a variety of evidence-based techniques that focus on reducing symptoms and feeling more connected to others. I have been practicing psychology in San Francisco since 1997.
I was a Volunteer Full Clinical Professor at UCSF for 23 years where I taught and supervised psychiatry residents. I also provided consult liaison services in the UCSF hospitals for over a decade where I worked with medically ill individuals and their families. Outside of UCSF, I also worked for over 15-years in several long-term care facilities providing psychotherapy and consultation for older adults and their loved ones.
I received a post-doctorate Masters Degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Alliant University/California School of Professional Psychology in 2004, My Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (secondary emphasis in Clinical Health Psychology) is from APA-Accredited Argosy University/Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Minneapolis, MN which I received in 1997.
I received the Jacob Markovitz Memorial Scholarship toward my graduate school studies. My APA-approved predoctoral internship was at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Chicago, IL from 1996-1997. I have been licensed as a clinical psychologist in the state of California since 1999 (PSY 16206).
My publishing has focused on trauma, care taking, health psychology, psychoanalytic psychology and integrating psychotherapy methods. with the aim of helping people who have to navigate complex physical and/or psychological issues. My newest book is The Complex PTSD Coping Skills Workbook: An Evidence-Based Approach to Manage Fear and Anger, Build Confidence, and Reclaim Your Identity. This new book is for clients and complements the 2020 publication, Treating Complex Trauma: Combined Theories and Methods. My 2012 book, When Someone You Love Has Chronic Illness continues to be a helpful resource for patients and caretakers alike.