For over 20 years, I’ve worked with survivors of abuse: sexual assault, domestic violence, child sexual, physical and emotional abuse. My interest in trauma led me to become trained and certified in EMDR, which I’ve been using in my practice since l994. I’m also trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-oriented psychotherapy approach to working with both shock and developmental trauma, focusing on regulating the nervous system.
I’ve developed a specialty in working with couples, both straight and gay. I’ve worked with many parents and their adult children, facilitating healing of past hurts and estrangements. I’ve always been interested in how people navigate diversity in themselves and their relationships.
I’ve also incorporated my yoga practice and Buddhist meditation practice into my work.
One of my other interests is the relationship between people and animals and the strong connection that pets provide so many people. Over the last several years, I’ve focused on helping people deal with the loss of their pets.
After graduating with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 1984. I became director of the Family Violence Project of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, where I developed and supervised programs for battered women, batterers and children growing up in violent homes. At the UCLA Trauma Psychiatry Service, I provided therapy for adult survivors of all kinds of trauma.
I’ve served on the advisory board of Peace Over Violence (formerly LA Commission on Assaults Against Women, LACAAW) for many years. I have years of experience teaching self defense for women and hold a black belt in karate. I’ve trained both professionals and paraprofessionals in domestic violence and taught graduate-level courses on domestic violence.
