​ABOUT MY PRACTICE

I am honored when people come in to meet with me. I also respect the fact that this process can be difficult for some, and I am happy to work at a pace with which you are most comfortable. The majority of my clients fit into four categories:
  1. Adults trying to develop greater confidence.
  2. Couples in conflict, needing to find a better way to connect and communicate.
  3. Families experiencing tension, or going through a difficult change.
  4. Children who need emotional support and greater coping skills, and parents who are needing tools to help their children.
For over 30 years, I have also helped former cult members and those who have loved ones in cults and highly manipulative relationships. I provide individual counseling, family counseling, and support groups for former cult members. I also help families who are trying to reach out to their loved one in the cult.
​Two of my other areas of specialization are:
  1. Helping siblings of those with special needs.
  2. Helping people who have been through difficult experiences, or who have pasts that are hard to share or explain, tell their stories in empowered ways and without shame.
Disclaimer: I will not stand as an expert witness in court cases, and I will not participate in a client's legal dispute with or against another party. Thank you for your understanding. ​

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Bachelor of Science
Teaching Credentials
  • ​General Education, Kindergarten through 9th grade
  • Special Education, Kindergarten through 9th grade
Boston University, School of Education | 1987

Masters of Education (MSEd)
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
USC, Rossier School of Education | 1989

Licensure- Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
1991

Advisory Board
International Cultic Studies Association

Advisory Board
Open Minds Foundation

Member
​California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Clinical Member
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Co-Founder
Stronger-After.org
I have led workshops and classes at USC in the School of Social Work and the Department of Psychiatry, at California State University at Northridge, and various colleges and universities in the New York area. I am also a yearly presenter at the International Cultic Studies Association conferences and was a guest lecturer for the Clergy Emergency League and Wisconsin Council of Churches. I have presented at the Pacific Rim Conference for people in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and China who are affected by cults and relationships with narcissists, and, with colleagues, developed the program "Stronger After", a free 5-session program for initial support and education for people newly out of highly controlling, abusive, and restrictive environments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do you take insurance?
A: I do not take insurance, but can provide an invoice for you to send to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Missed appointments and last minute cancellations will incur the full price fee except in cases of emergency; all cancellations require at least 24 hours notice.

Q: Will my information be kept safe and confidential?
A: All of your information is HIPAA protected and kept confidential, however, if a client appears to be a danger to themselves or others, I may be required by law to disclose information to the appropriate authorities.