I have been a practicing psychologist for over 20 years. 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 degree 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 child’s behavior and development.
I have more than 20 years of experience treating a wide array of issues with all ages. I have worked with clients who suffered from acute and chronic symptoms in several settings including psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and community agencies. These experiences have allowed me to refine my skills in providing psychotherapy.
I have practiced therapy at drug and alcohol treatment centers, with in-patient and out-patient 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.
Providing family therapy and counseling was an essential part of their recovery. I also delivered psychological and neuropsychological assessments and recommendations as part of their treatment.
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.
In my private practice:
- I provide individual, couples, and family therapy.
- I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
- I provide psychological and neuropsychological evaluations.
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. I help them process traumatic memories, move past the pain, and live 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
- clinical hypnotherapy trauma treatment
- family assessment
- child therapy, domestic violence
- mediation
- family law.
I feel extremely privileged to work with my clients in such close and special relationships as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
I have a multi-cultural background and I am fluent in three languages: English, French, and Arabic. I also have a basic knowledge of Spanish and Greek. I was born in Beirut during the Lebanese civil wars and lived and studied in Greece and France.
My life experiences, education, and years of practice have significantly enhanced my approach to therapy. I respect and value diversity and work effectively with people from a variety of cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds.
I continually sharpen my clinical skills by attending advanced post-graduate training, conferences, and workshops in a variety of areas such as clinical hypnotherapy, trauma treatment, family assessment, child therapy, domestic violence, mediation, and family law.
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”