Photo by Joseph Forman

I have a special interest in supporting high-achieving women in dealing with the unique issues they face and view therapy as a safe place to explore relationships, whether those relationships are with people (family, co-workers, partner) or things (food, money, alcohol). I also feel an important part of therapy is addressing the social, economic, and cultural influences on a person and that the process of therapy be a collaborative one, with the client seen as the “expert” on their life.

As a former CPA who moved to Los Angeles and back again, I have first-hand experience with the challenges involved in relocating across the country and changing careers. My prior work at 20th Century Fox also brings an awareness of the unique aspects of the entertainment world.

During my career as a therapist I have worked in a variety of settings including a middle school, a community based mental health center, a teen to teen hotline, a rage resolution and tattoo removal non-profit, and a program to train other community mental health professionals, all of which allowed me the opportunity gain experience working with a variety of issues including abuse, infidelity, self-harm, body and food issues, as well as anxiety, depression, anger and low self-esteem.  I began my private practice in 2004 and continue to specialize in working with high-achieving women of all ages, but also work with men and couples.  My own personal experiences as a gifted girl who is now a business owner and mother of two along with my unique training allow me to bring to therapy sessions empathy for and knowledge of the challenges those worlds can pose.  As another way to be a resource in the community, I also speak regularly to groups and at conferences on topics such as high-achieving women today and helping gifted girls navigate the teen years.

EDUCATION:

Specialty Training:

  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Gifted Individuals: Avoiding Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
  • Common Misdiagnoses and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults
  • Gifted Children And Gifted Adults: Neglected Areas Of Practice For Psychologists
  • SENG-Model (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) Parent Group Facilitator
  • Girls Circle Facilitator Certification
  • Community Gang Counselor Certification                                                                                   

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, 2003, Antioch University Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, minor in Economics, 1996, Minnesota State University-Mankato

Summa cum Laude

         1996 College of Business Student of the Year

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT)

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (MAMFT)

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER:

CleanSlate                        “Empowering people to rebuild their lives.”                www.cleanslatela.org