Education
Current Doctoral Student Transformative Studies California Institute of Integral Studies San Francisco, CA
1999 - 2002 Master’s Degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology California Institute of Integral Studies San Francisco, CA
1990 - 1996 B.A. Degree in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, minor in Psychology The Ohio State University Columbus, OH
Licenses and Certificates
2023 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Immersion Training
2019 Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional Course
2016 DBT Foundational Training Behavioral Tech Linehan Institute
2015 Mindfulness Fundamentals Training Mindful Schools
2015 Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor Training Centenary Institute NJ
2014 Licensed MFT New Jersey
2008 Clinical Supervisor Training California BBS
2005 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist California
2001 Holistic & Integrative Medicine Certificate Sutter Institute of Health & Healing
1998 Massage Therapy Certificate Heartwood Institute for Integrative Medicine
Clinical Work
2002 - Current Private Practice Psychotherapist Princeton, NJ
Practice Individual Psychotherapy with an emphasis on Somatic, AEDP, Relational Theory & Practice. Specializing in treating Anxiety, Stress, Issues of Sexuality and Diversity. My therapeutic approach synthesizes mindfulness techniques, effective strategies for self-regulation, and embodiment practices all steeped within a closely attuned therapeutic relationship. Utilizes Trauma Focused Therapeutic Approaches when clinically indicated.
2009 - Current Clinical Supervisor Center for Somatic Therapy San Francisco CA
Supervising graduate level psychotherapy trainees working at the Center for Somatic Psychotherapy. Collaborated with trainees to build competency in legal and ethical standards. Facilitated trainee’s ability to self-assess and acquire skills necessary to perform role as a psychotherapist.
2004 - 2013 Mental Health Practitioner Marin Behavioral & Recovery Services San Rafael, CA
Performed clinical assessments, wrote comprehensive reports, composed treatment plans and evaluated progress of adults with chronic and severe mental illness at a public mental health setting. Assessed for psychosis, mood and thought disorders, anxiety, dual diagnosis, grave disability and level of acuity. Managed psychiatric crisis including suicidality, harm to others and acute emotional distress. Triaged with psychiatric emergency services. Collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team including psychiatrists, public guardian, community-based organizations and medical professionals. Monitored clients during psychiatric hospitalizations, facilitated transition back into community settings. Assisted clients with accessing housing and benefits. Utilized evidence-based practices. Facilitated group therapy with CBT symptom management techniques, life skills and psycho-education with clients and families.
2012 Faculty Member Women's Therapy Center Berkeley, CA
Clinical supervisor to psychotherapist trainees and interns at a community based clinic that serves women, adolescent girls, transgender/gender non-conforming people, and couples . Provided coursework instruction to the students. The clinic applies Relational, Feminist and Psychodynamic theoretical perspectives within a socio-political context.
2008 - 2012 Agency Field Work Instructor Masters of Social Welfare UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA
Supervised graduate level social work students performing fieldwork at a community mental health setting. Mentored student to meet social work competencies that enable them to integrate values, knowledge, and skills for ethical and effective practice and leadership in human service systems. Provided coursework instruction and curriculum development at fieldwork site.
2008 - 2012 Case Management Supervisor Community Violence Solutions San Pablo, CA
Supervised case managers from the Differential Response Program, specifically designed to serve at-risk families who are dealing with Domestic Violence and Child Abuse issues. Directed staff to develop their effectiveness in creating and implementing goals with clients such as enhancing parenting skills that support the healthy development of children, improving communication in the family as well as accessing community resources. Strategized with staff to work with families at preventing violence through empowerment and education. Supervised crisis intervention and mandated reporting when appropriate.
2009 - 2010 Support Group Facilitator Community Violence Solutions San Pablo, CA
Facilitated weekly support and skills group for survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual trauma. Provided psycho-education, coping and empowerment skills, provided therapeutic interventions and referrals to additional resources. Included mindfulness exercises, stress reduction techniques and psycho-educational materials.
2002 - 2004 Assistant Program Director Buckelew Programs San Rafael, CA
Case manager for adults with chronic mental illness in residential setting. Supervised and evaluated house manager staff. Provided crisis intervention and clinical assessments for residents. Screened for intake of new residents and met with families regarding care.
2002 - 2005 Psychotherapy Intern Women’s Therapy Center Berkeley, CA
Provided individual long-term therapy in a low fee community clinic to women and adolescent girls, with a variety of mood disorders and trauma histories. Particular focus on working with women and coming out issues. Provided couples counseling to heterosexual and same-sex couples.
2000-2002 Integrative Psychotherapy Trainee Sutter Health Institute for Health & Healing SF, CA
Explored the body, mind, emotions and spirit, and their impact on health, personal fulfillment and relationships in individual therapy within a medical setting. Specialized in oncology to guide patients on how to improve their recovery from surgery and how to prepare for cancer treatments. Worked to transform limiting patterns, traumas and beliefs that block or inhibit a fulfilling life. Approaches include insight-oriented inquiry, lifestyle changes, guided imagery techniques and mindfulness. Co-facilitated weekly support group utilizing Guided Imagery techniques and Art Therapy.
Summer 2002 Teacher’s Assistant, Oak Hill School San Anselmo, CA
Worked with a diverse range of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders in a progressive educational setting. Implemented IEP goals, provided individualized language and math tutoring, focused on acquiring symbolic concepts.
2000 - 2002 Private Behavioral Tutor Behavioral Counseling Research Ctr San Rafael, CA
Provided in-home educational program to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Introduced picture exchange system to enhance communication skills. Collaborated with family members to monitor behavior and increase family cohesiveness.
1999 Teen Milieu Counselor Sunny Hills Center San Anselmo, CA
Responsible for direct supervision and milieu counseling for teenagers with serious emotional problems/trauma history in a residential setting. Provided symptom management, assessment, crisis interventions. Administered medications, implemented treatment plans on a multi-disciplinary team.
1998 Children’s Milieu Counselor Burt Children’s Center SF, CA
Provided a consistent, structured and nurturing environment for a diverse range of foster children with complicated trauma histories aged 5-12. Facilitated recreational and therapeutic activities. Collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team in treatment plans, contributed to case reviews and maintained daily records of behavior.
Volunteer Work and Professional Development
2023-2028 Transformative Studies Doctoral Student California Institute of Integral Studies
2023 - 2025 Princeton Montessori Parent Association Staff/Teacher Appreciation Chair
2023 AEDP Immersion Training Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy
2019 - 2022 Princeton Montessori Chairperson of the Parent Association
2019 Mind-Body Approaches to Treating Clinical Anxiety Course
2017 - 2019 Princeton Montessori Community Service Co-Chair Parent Association
2018 Yoga Nidra Teacher Training at Sacred Sounds in NYC
2015 - 2016 Princeton Montessori Room Parent
2014 - 2015 Therapeutic Riding at Centenary Volunteer
2007 - 2009 Marin County Cultural Competency Committee Member
2005 - 2007 Spectrum of Marin LGBT Center Speaker’s Bureau
2005 - 2006 Chairperson for The Marin County Wellness and Recovery Task Force
2004 - 2008 Authentic Movement Group Participant
1998 - 2000 Town of Fairfax, CA Volunteer Board Member
Photo Credit Lee James