Here's the "getting to know me" page of my website.   Welcome.

Given the importance of this decision you are about to make, that is, how do I choose a therapist that's the right one for me, I am glad to have this opportunity to introduce myself......even if limited to a one page "snapshot" of my character, background, and areas of expertise.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing both individual and group psychotherapy to a broad spectrum of individuals, ages 18 and over.  I am happy to provide referrals for children and adolescents.

I have 20+ years of experience in the field of addictive behaviors and Health Psychology.  My graduate education and training began at UCLA where I received my PhD in Psychology.  Prior to being trained as a psychologist,  I earned a Master's in Public Health (M.P.H) in Behavioral Sciences, also at UCLA.    These two degrees, one focusing on the inner workings of the psyche and the other on socio-cultural and environmental influences on our well-being, put me in a unique position of appreciating the "whole picture" - - - - that is, appreciating the many and varied factors that weigh upon our lives, both from within and from without.

My attraction to the field of Health Psychology, specifically the addictive behaviors (substance abuse and eating disorders) is because I like seeing measurable results. It is gratifying for me to work with someone who has been "using" or bingeing and purging for years and see them, gradually, set free to enjoy their lives.  It takes time and patience, but we get there.
 
More recently I have received training and supervision in Geriatric Psychology to help provide the increasing number of senior "baby boomers" with competent, caring, and thoughtful therapeutic attention.
 
So, you now know a little about my education and training, but what does this brief bio say about my character?  It says that I am not satisfied until I feel I have a thorough understanding of the problem.  It says I take my professional and personal integrity seriously.  And I strive to do the best for my patients.      

Education
Ph.D.                 University of California, Los Angeles 
                           Department of Psychology

M.P.H.               University of California, Los Angeles
                           Division of Behavioral Science/Health Education        
                                   



Training
Post-Doctoral Training in                  Wright Institute Los Angeles
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Post-Doctoral Training in                  Susan B. Krevoy Eating
Eating Disorders                                   Disorders  Program

Presentations, Publications, and Awards
Nancy Wood Memorial Foundation Award for Post Doctoral Training in Psychology

Louis and Harold Price Foundation Award for Post Doctoral Training in Psychology

Presentations on Substance Abuse in Atlanta, Hawaii, Seattle, California

NBC TV, invited guest, Substance Abuse

CBS TV, invited guest, Smoking Cessation

"The Laughter-After Experience".  Original Paper and Videotape.


License
Clinical Psychologist.  Licensed by the State of California. PSY24156

Professional Memberships
American Psychological Association
California Psychological Association