Biography
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I recently opened a private practice in Orinda and offer both in-person and virtual visits.
I treat a broad spectrum of clinical diagnoses, but have an affinity for working with 7 to 10 year olds with anxiety, depression, anger and difficulty managing feelings. Over the past 10 years I have co-facilitated a "Child Worry Group" for school age children with anxiety, negative thoughts, anger and social struggles. It has been an extremely successful group and fun to lead. We use creative and fun techniques for children to learn to challenge their negative thoughts, use mindfulness techniques to relax and assert themselves in various situations.
I also enjoy helping parents and children find their way when new life stages emerge and negatively effect their relationship (e.g., transition to adolescence and leaving for college). I believe that parent involvement in treatment is vital in changing family dynamics and maintaining new ways of interaction. I have found that children, teens and families respond well to my approach of authenticity, humor and a focus on their resilience and strengths.
My overall treatment approach is eclectic in general, but I tend to use techniques drawn from family systems, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused and narrative therapies.