my background

training and education

I graduated with both my Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, an APA (American Psychological Association) accredited graduate program. I received my “Psy.D.” which stands for “Doctor of Psychology.” (A “Ph.D.” is a very similar degree, sometimes more research-focused. A "Psy.D." is more clinically focused in both training and education.)

I am also a graduate and Member of the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC). PINC provides formal training in psychoanalysis. My pre and post doctoral training included clinical experience with cancer patients and their families, individuals with serious mental illness in a day treatment setting, community mental health settings with adults and children, gay/lesbian/bisexual individuals and those living with HIV and AIDS.

I also have a background in the Arts and in Business.

Additionally, I have much experience with patients from various cultural backgrounds and religions.

teaching and supervision

I am faculty at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) and Access Institute both in San Francisco.  I also am a faculty member of The Northern California Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSSP) here in the Bay Area.

I supervise pre and post doctoral interns for The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) and Access Institute all located in San Francisco.

PROFESSIONAL positions

• Member, International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) Committee on Psychoanalysis and Culture
• Past North American Vice President, IPSO (International Psychoanalytical Studies Organization – 2009-2011)
• Past President, NCSPP (2008)
• PINC/NCSPP Liaison, PINC Board (2007-2009)
• Chair, PINC Candidate Organization (2006-2007)

work experience outside of private practice

While developing my full time private practice, I worked as a staff Psychologist for Marin County Mental Health on their Clinical Assessment Team.  This was a community mental health setting where I provided outpatient short-term psychotherapy, brief strategic therapy to post-hospitalization patients, crisis intervention, psycho-education, clinical supervision and consultation to staff and interns.  I worked for Marin County as a clinician in their Psychiatric Emergency Department. I also worked as a Staff Psychologist for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, providing time limited psychotherapy and psycho-education for individuals engaging in risky sexual behaviors.

awards

CSPP  - Most Outstanding Psy.D. Dissertation (1997)
(California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda Campus)
“Self Esteem and Mood as Predictors of Sexual Compulsivity in Gay Men”

affiliations

• Member, The American Psychological Association (APA)
• Division 39 (Division of Psychoanalysis), APA
• Member, International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA)
• California Psychological Association
• Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC)