Resources

In practicing psychotherapy as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 12 years, I have found continual reward in being able to help people through the challenging times in their lives. In particular, participating in the emotional and psychological well being and growth of women, children, and families, has been most satisfying for me.

I graduated from USC School of Social Work in 1993 with a Masters Degree in Social Welfare, and in 2008 I graduated from the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis which is a program focused particularly on early attachment and relational theories. I have extensive experience working with women's issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and motherhood/parenting. In addition, I have intensive training and experience working with children ages 4-18, and their families struggling with a variety of issues.

Because the development of a secure attachment during infancy and early childhood has been shown to be closely related to healthy and optimal social, emotional, and cognitive functioning, a specific area of focus in my practice is related to the promotion of secure attachment and bonding between mother and baby.

In addition, I often see the family from a systems perspective in that a change for one member affects the other members of the family. Therefore, in the case of a pregnancy, I will often work with the couple, and other children in the family to assist with the adjustment to a newborn entering the family system. This type of support can only serve to enhance and promote the strength of the couple, and family during this transition.

In general, my goal with women experiencing pregnancy is to offer a safe, nurturing atmosphere to talk about all of the feelings associated with the many physical and psychological changes that occur. Whether it is the adjustment made to bodily changes, worries about the course of the pregnancy, labor and delivery, coping with anxiety and depression, or general feelings or concerns related to motherhood, it can be comforting to know there is support offered throughout this stressful time.