Biography / Credentials

My Story

I was raised in a family in which there was great emphasis placed upon service to others and using one’s gifts to make the world a better place. As a young adult, I was drawn to the social sciences and realized that I could use the science of psychology to help people improve their lives, overcome adverse experiences, and reach their full potential.

What do I find most rewarding about being a psychologist?

In my years of doing this work, it has been incredibly rewarding to hear clients share with me how their lives have been transformed through the process of therapy. I hear clients share with me how, after doing the work of therapy, they feel happier and more connected with their loved ones. I am moved when parents express their gratitude for the positive impact that my work has had in the life of their son or daughter. I see clients heal from traumatic experiences and achieve goals that they had always believed were beyond their capabilities. 

In my work with athletes, I find it deeply gratifying when they tell me that the skills they have learned are helping them to manage performance anxiety, find emotional balance, and compete with greater focus and enjoyment.

And finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing resilience, strength, and courage in the lives of my clients on a daily basis. This has given me a profound sense of hope in the power of the human spirit. 

How do I help clients?

I utilize evidence-based treatments within the context of an empathic and supportive relationship in order to alleviate symptoms and facilitate growth and resilience. I teach athletes the skills they need to help them maintain focus and regulate their emotions in the heat of competition. Utilizing cognitive behavioral interventions, I help clients to transform limiting beliefs that have restricted their sense of what is possible. I work with individuals to overcome fear and avoidance through the use of exposure/response prevention techniques.

I help clients to draw more fully on their spiritual, religious, and/or faith backgrounds in order to cultivate a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. I also educate clients about the factors (emotional, social, physical, and spiritual) that facilitate health and wellness.

Consult my FAQ page for more information on beginning the process, insurance coverage, and rates. 

Degrees

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.), William James College, 2006

Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) Boston College, Clough School of Theology and Ministry, 1999 

Bachelor of Science, Psychology (B.S.), Santa Clara University, 1993