I have been in practice as a licensed psychologist for over twenty years in California. I received my doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, within the areas of Clinical and Health Psychology. The clinical program was among the first in the country to espouse the cognitive-behavioral tradition in clinical psychology, which has been the predominant psychotherapy approach in the U.S. for many years. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy incorporates evidence-based methods, validated through social science research. The basic tenet of CBT is that our thoughts and behaviors are primarily learned. So, we can learn new, more adaptive and empowering behaviors and thoughts (and emotional responses that stem from our thinking). This involves identifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and then practicing more positive and effective habits which improve our emotional well-being and behavioral functioning over time.
Health Psychology is the study of psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and healthcare to increase our understanding of how psychological, behavioral and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness. My background in Health Psychology informs my work with clients in relation to their physical health, including management of weight, nutrition and exercise, and living with and managing chronic illness and pain.
I also participated for several years within the first continuing-education program for psychotherapists in the U.S. in Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Therapy approach. Person-Centered Therapy emphasizes that you are the primary expert concerning your goals, values and needs. As your therapist, my being genuine, my empathic understanding of your experience of your life, as well as my accepting you unconditionally, without judgment, are essential elements in the therapeutic relationship, facilitating your embracing your authentic self. More recent approaches in the evolution of clinical psychology including Positive Psychology, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy also inform the theoretical and applied therapeutic frameworks within which I work as a psychologist.
Health Psychology is the study of psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and healthcare to increase our understanding of how psychological, behavioral and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness. My background in Health Psychology informs my work with clients in relation to their physical health, including management of weight, nutrition and exercise, and living with and managing chronic illness and pain.
I also participated for several years within the first continuing-education program for psychotherapists in the U.S. in Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Therapy approach. Person-Centered Therapy emphasizes that you are the primary expert concerning your goals, values and needs. As your therapist, my being genuine, my empathic understanding of your experience of your life, as well as my accepting you unconditionally, without judgment, are essential elements in the therapeutic relationship, facilitating your embracing your authentic self. More recent approaches in the evolution of clinical psychology including Positive Psychology, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy also inform the theoretical and applied therapeutic frameworks within which I work as a psychologist.