I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional providing individual therapy in private practice in San Rafael, CA.
I earned a B.S. degree in Individual and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University and a M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. I have twenty two years of clinical experience working with a variety of clients ranging in age from adolescents to senior citizens. My treatment focus includes, but is not limited to: trauma/adverse life experiences; addiction/recovery; co-dependency; depression; anxiety; grief and loss; bereavement; adolescent issues; parenting challenges; low self esteem; lack of intimacy/connection.
Prior to private practice, I worked in residential and outpatient treatment for substance abuse and recovery providing individual counseling, group therapy, and co-leading the outpatient treatment program. My past experience also includes two years as an elementary school counselor, where I worked with individual children, along with facilitating Life Skills and Conflict Resolution Groups for various grade levels. My responsibilities included collaboration and consultation with parents and teachers, along with other related healthcare professionals.
I received five years of advanced training and consultation at Family Service Agency of Marin, while treating adults, couples, and families impacted by trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and attachment-related disorders.
I am a down-to-earth therapist, whose style is interactive, compassionate and genuine. My treatment approach is to provide support, guidance, and helpful feedback to assist clients in resolving current problems and long-standing patterns that are negatively impacting their lives. I utilize an array of approaches (See my Home page), drawing upon various empirically proven methods, incorporating what will be most effective for each individual client, couple, or family. With acceptance and warmth, I help my clients capitalize on their strengths so that they may achieve their therapeutic goals and enjoy greater fulfillment in their lives.
I truly love my job and the connection I have with my clients, and I would feel privileged to share your journey with you.
Education
- Dominican University of CA
- M.S. Counseling Psychology
- Pennsylvania State University
- B.S. Individual and Family Studies
Additional Training
- Internal Family Systems Stepping Stone 16 week Comprehensive IFS Course- Derek Scott, Certified IFS Therapist and Consultant
- Internal Family Systems Therapy: 2 Day Experiential Workshop – Richard Schwartz, PhD
- Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems – Frank Anderson, MD
- Internal Family Systems 6 Day Workshop Retreat at Kripalu – Richard Schwartz, PhD
- Internal Family Systems 6 part Training – Frank Anderson, MD
- Internal Family Systems Continuity Program-Richard Schwartz, PhD, Chris Burris, LPC, LMFT
- Internal Family Systems Continuity Program- Richard Schwartz, PhD, Mariel Pastor, LMFT
- Internal Family Systems Foundations of IFS Circle Program – Richard Schwartz, Toni Herbine-Blank, Pamela Krause
- Integrative Trauma Treatment Masterclass: Blending IFS, Sensorimotor, Mindfulness – Janina Fisher, PhD
- Advanced Integrative Trauma Training 16 Month Program – Colleen West, LMFT
- When There Are No Words-Repairing Early Attachment Trauma and Neglect with EMDR – Sandra Paulsen, PhD
- Certification – Clinical Trauma Professional, Level I and II- Janina Fisher, PhD
- Certification – EMDR Therapy – EMDRIA
- Flash Technique – Philip Manfield, PhD
- EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy – Curt Rouanzoin, PhD
- EMDR – Advanced Clinical Workshop and Refresher – Laurel Parnell, PhD
- Attachment-Focused EMDR-Healing Developmental Deficits and Adults Abused as Children – Laurel Parnell, PhD
- Dance of Attachment: Therapist’s Use of Self in EMDR Therapy – Deany Laliotis, LICSW
- EMDR Group Case Consultation – Deany Laliotis, LICSW
- At The Crossroads of Trauma Therapy: Integrating EMDR, Structural Dissociation, Attachment Repair, IFS Parts Work – Rachel Walker, LMFT and Colleen West, LMFT
- EMDR for Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociation & Complex Trauma – Colin Ross, MD
- Troubleshooting in EMDR Therapy – Joany Spierings, PhD
- Treating Dissociative Disorders with EMDR: The Progressive Approach – Dolores Mosquera, MA
- EMDR Therapy for Suicidal Clients and Self-harming Behaviors – Dolores Mosquera, MA
- Rewiring The Addicted Brain with EMDR – Laurel Parnell, PhD
- Advances in Trauma Treatment: Trauma, Memory, and the Restoration of Self – Bessel Van der Kolk, MD
- Working with Hostile Voices and Parts of Personality in Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders – Dolores Mosquera, MA
- Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Self-Alienation – Janina Fisher, PhD
- In Search of Our Strongest Selves: Ego State Therapy From the Inside Out, Maggie Phillips, PhD
- EMDR Therapy Update 2014: Theory, Research, and Practice – Francine Shapiro, PhD
- How the Story Tells Itself in Early Trauma: The Role of Non-Verbal Channels in AIP – Sandra Paulsen, PhD
- Embodied Culture: A Somatic Approach to Diversity Awareness in EMDR – Arielle Schwartz, PhD and Barb Maiberger, MA
- How To Diagnose Dissociative Disorders – Colin Ross, MD
- EMDR and Addiction: Essential Skills Beyond Basic Training – Julie Miller, LPC, LISAC
- Developmental Model of Couples Therapy-The Couples Institute
- UC Berkeley Extension Advanced Training in Treating Anxiety Disorders: Phobias, OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Panic Disorder, PTSD
- Attachment, Relational Therapy, Mindfulness and the Body
- Integrating Psychotherapy, Neuroscience, and Eastern Healing Traditions
- Spousal Abuse Training
- Working with the Borderline Personality Disordered Person: Comprehension, Care and Coping
- Attachment, Personality, and Neuroscience
- An Attachment and Neurobiological Approach to Couple’s Therapy
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP): Healing Trauma, Creating Secure Attachments
- Working with Extramarital Affairs: Phases of Treatment
- Mood Disorders: Assessment and Treatment
- Substance Abuse: Assessment and Treatment
- Working Effectively with Adults Raised in Narcissistic Family Systems
License and Certifications
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences License # LMFT41722
- EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Professional Activities and Memberships
- International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
- Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology – Lifetime Member
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
- Marin County Chapter of CAMFT
- American Psychotherapy Association
- Addiction Recovery Professionals
- EMDR International Association
- Parnell EMDR Institute