Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term structured psychotherapy treatment (generally 5-20 sessions) that focuses on changing patterns of thinking or behavior that are contributing to a person’s emotional difficulties. CBT works by focusing on the thoughts, images, beliefs, and attitudes that are held (a person’s cognitive processes) and how these processes relate to the way a person behaves, in dealing with emotional problems. CBT is used to treat a wide range of issues in a person’s life, including anxiety and depression. If CBT is your preferred mode of therapy, I can personalize and customize the therapy and interventions to your personality and specific needs.

Emotional Eating

There is a fine line between emotional eating and having an eating disorder. There is no one way to gain control over under-eating or over-eating and it is imperative that you have support. If you are experiencing one or both, I am here to encourage and support you and we can work on this together. In my work with people who are emotional eaters, I typically function in the role of both therapist and food coach. We will uncover the underlying issues of “what’s eating you…not what you are eating,” and honoring your unique needs, we will redefine a food plan that works for you.

Energy Psychology

While Incorporating the Mind-Body-Spirit Paradigm, Energy Psychology is a newer way of treating mental and emotional health issues through the use of the energy systems in the body. These tools are based on ancient energy healing systems and the newest research on how the brain, emotions and the body interact. As a Psychologist, I believe that we all strengthen our capacity to connect into the soul-ness of our being when we allow for awareness-and the ability to tap into-our own natural energy. This can be incorporated into the different techniques that I teach, such as meditation.

Alcoholism & Codependency

Your recovery from a “-ism” is dependent on how much you put into the process.

I have worked with problem drinkers and their partners for over 25 years. Suffice to say, recovery from alcoholism and/or codependent behaviors can be difficult and a life-long process. It can, however, be made easier with proper support and a therapist who is knowledgeable in treating addictions; and supporting recovery.

AA and the 12-steps help you to not drink one day at a time. However, adding psychodynamic therapy helps you to explore emotions to uncover how your subconscious thought relate-and trigger-your addiction. We will work closely together to acknowledge your deep-seated feelings, and to help you prepare to identify and avoid temptations during your ongoing recovery.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing

I am hard of hearing myself. I was diagnosed at age 2 with a significant hearing loss due to frequent high fevers and antibiotics that caused inner ear damage. I began wearing hearing aids at age 2.5. I attended all-hearing schools throughout my childhood, and did not meet my first Deaf person until I was age 16. A little deaf girl approached me in the grocery store one day and began to sign to me assuming that I could because she saw my hearing aids. This was a life changing event. When I was age 18, I began taking sign language courses at a local college. It didn’t take long before I became fluent in ASL. I completed my undergraduate program at CSUN, and for the first time, I was using Deaf Services and sign language interpreters to enhance my own learning. With hearing aids, I can hear very well and test out with a ‘Mild’ hearing loss. Without my hearing aids, I test out as ‘Severe-Profound.’ It’s quite a drastic change with a flip of a switch!