I obtained my master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from the Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, in Nice, France. My degree focused on the cognitive and psychological development of people throughout their lives from infancy through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older adulthood.
I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from an American Psychological Association (APA)- accredited university, Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, in San Diego, California. My doctoral research work focused on childhood traumas, specifically child sexual abuse and its impact on children’s behavior and development.
I have more than 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals of all ages and addressing a wide range of psychological concerns. Throughout my work in diverse clinical settings, I have treated clients experiencing both acute and chronic symptoms. These experiences have allowed me to develop and refine an effective and compassionate psychotherapy approach.
I conduct 730 full and partial Child Custody Evaluations in high-conflict family law matters, including cases involving allegations of domestic violence, substance use disorders, mental health concerns, move aways, and complex parenting disputes
I have practiced therapy at drug and alcohol treatment centers, with inpatient and outpatient services for 15 years. I have focused on my clients’ substance abuse and other co-occurring psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I provided family therapy, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations.
In my private practice, I provide:
- Individual, couples, and family therapy.
- Child Custody Evaluations.
- Reunification therapy.
- Psychological and neuropsychological evaluations.
In addition, I provided psychotherapy to many retired NFL players who had symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) resulting from repeated injuries to the head. I have worked with them to address their depression, anxiety, anger, feelings of alienation, grief, and loss.
I have extensive experience treating military families, Veterans, and active duty service members. Some of the issues that arise with military families are unique to their experiences and lifestyles.
Many active duty service members and veterans are struggling with feelings of isolation, PTSD, moral injury, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Some struggle with family breakdowns and deployments. I assist them in processing traumatic memories, overcoming the pain, and living meaningful, well-integrated lives.
I am trained in divorce mediation and divorce collaborative practice. I work with family members experiencing separation and divorce. I also provide co-parenting counseling and reunification therapy.
I continually sharpen my clinical skills by attending advanced post-graduate trainings, conferences, and workshops in a variety of areas such as
- Child custody evaluations
- Domestic Violence
- Resist/refuse dynamics
- Mediation
- Clinical hypnotherapy
- Trauma treatment
I bring a multicultural background shaped by living in several countries and fluency in three languages. These international experiences, combined with my education and years of clinical practice, inform my therapeutic approach and enable me to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, religious, and sexual orientation backgrounds.
AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH)
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
ACADEMIC TRAINING
California School of Professional Psychology
Alliant International University – San Diego Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
DISSERTATION
“A Validity Study of Rorschach Sexual Responses with a Group of Sexually Abused Girls”