Clinicians

I am a licensed, general, clinical psychologist who has worked with adults experiencing a variety of clinical issues, including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma/abuse, adjustment, and identity concerns.  In addition, I have provided psychological care in private practice, university counseling centers, and medical settings. I utilize mindful, radical acceptance, strength-based, relational, and research-validated strategies to collaboratively facilitate acceptance, change, growth, and thriving with my clients.

Background & Approach

 I consider each person’s unique circumstances from an integrated theoretical perspective with emphasis on mindful and acceptance-based ways of being, work collaboratively with each client, and adapt my approach to best accommodate the needs and goals of my client. In particular, I have an affinity for both mindfulness and positive psychology, which is the scientific study and application of human strengths. My belief in each person’s inherent potential, skills, and strengths as means to overcome challenges and maximize well-being underlies my work with my clients. My approach in addressing psychological distress and well-being focuses on cultivating safe, trusting, and meaningful relationships. 

Areas of Specialization

I specialize in using strength-based approaches to promote change and in relational health.  

Relational Health

 In the spirit of relational-cultural theory, which states that we grow and thrive via true connections with others, I establish meaningful relationships with my clients. Further, my clinical emphasis includes facilitating each person’s understanding of herself/himself /themself in relation to others (e.g., how relationships have helped shape who we are), understanding relational patterns of behavior with others (e.g., experiences of joy in feeling understood or consistently feeling rejected), and improving relationships.  In establishing improved relational health, people experience positive physical and mental outcomes, including improved overall health, mood, and happiness. 

Strength-Based Approach and Positive Psychotherapy

Strength-based approaches tend to focus on each person’s resources (internal and external) to solve problems and promote growth.  For example, a partner may use her/his/their sense of humor in negotiating a conflict with her/his/their spouse.  Positive psychotherapy is a specific type of strength-based treatment that is premised on scientific research and helps clients experience pleasant, engaged, and fulfilling lives.  Importantly, those practicing positive psychotherapy do not negate or ignore conflictual or problematic experiences that bring people to seek therapy.  Rather, these conflictual and problematic experiences are addressed within a strength-based context.  Positive psychotherapy engages people to maximize their enjoyment and fulfillment in life while also buffering against future unpleasant outcomes (e.g., depression). 

Education and Training

• B.S.  Psychology, Clinical Practices from Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania
• M.A.   General Psychology from Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania
• Pre-doctoral  internship at the Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center in Honolulu, Hawaii
• M.A.O.B.  (Master’s of Organizational Behavior) from Alliant International University, Fresno, California
• Ph.D. Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Fresno, California
• Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted by the PSYPACT Commission. For additional information: www.psypact.org