Yoga​​

About Me

 

I am a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT)  serving clients in California, both virtually and in person.  I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University where I also was an adjunct professor at the Graduate School for Education and Psychology for 7 years. I am a trauma-informed clinician with a client-centered approach that is grounded in CBT, mindful therapy as well as psychodynamic theory. Understanding how our past connects to and affects our present, and how our core beliefs and thoughts influence our behavior and emotions are an integral part of self insight. I will help you uncover the hidden things that have been holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. My goal is to use an empathic collaborative and tool based approach to equip my clients to enact and maintain positive changes in their life. I love this field and the work that I do and I bring that positive energy into every session. My approach is casual, down to earth, animated, honest and to the point. This is a highly supportive zone.

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Since 1997 I have worked with adults as well as adolescents both in the school system for two different private schools as well as in private practice. For the first 16 years I was part of the administration as the in-house therapist as well as liaison between students, teachers, administration and parents maximizing the support and optimizing student success. I have worked extensively with students from middle school through college and graduate school. This experience has given me a unique in-depth understanding of the developmental challenges from childhood through the young adult years and beyond. 

 

Currently, in my private practice,  I work with clients ranging in age from adolescence through later adulthood, helping to navigate the various life transitions and accompanying challenges that often arise. My main focus and expertise lies with gaining self insight, enhancing self esteem, helping with relationship struggles, communication, and overcoming traumatic events and healing from loss. The main topics that come up are usually struggles with relationship, anxiety, depression, self concept, and overall emotional growth, getting "stuck," crisis interventions, PTSD, conflict resolution, communication, and the multitude of other challenges and hurdles that people may encounter along the road of life. I tell my clients that they set the course on that road, and I am their navigational system, telling them about possible "hazards" and how best to arrive at their goals as their most optimal selves. 

 

​I am also a wife and mother of two children (now both adults) adding invaluable life experience, nuance and depth to my understanding of child development, marriage and family. My personal as well as professional wealth of experience has given me a well rounded perspective, and has been instrumental in formulating a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges often faced by my clients.  I believe it is important to normalize life's difficulties and remove all shame and guilt as they prevent growth. My style therefore is one that is straight forward, easy going, amicable and friendly. I am a client-centered therapist who uses tools from other modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and trauma informed therapies. I incorporate art therapy techniques (for those who are interested) and am known to use creative metaphors and similes that both provide visual aid, increase comprehension as well as add an element of humor (when applicable). 

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​My goal is to help clients help themselves, to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, what they want, and how to achieve it, while maneuvering around, or perhaps even avoiding the road blocks.  I aim to help guide them through the difficult terrain that is our daily life. I work under the belief system that anyone is capable of change and everyone has the potential to transform into a better, healthier, happier more insightful, resilient and satisfying version of themselves, 

 

If you feel that I would be a good therapeutic fit, press the "contact" button and email me for a consultation. 

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​ **I was born in the former Soviet Union, so I speak (broken but effective) Russian for those who need it. I also have a deep personal understanding of anyone who had to flee political or religious persecution.**

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This is a dog friendly office - if you have a dog that is your emotional support animal, I have toys and treats waiting for them