*I am not currently accepting new clients.

 

Background

 

I am a licensed clinical health psychologist, skilled not only in treating “typical” psychological concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties) but also those unique to medical illness.  In keeping with my belief that our minds and bodies are intricately linked, I offer holistic treatment for a wide range of medical and psychological concerns.

Therapy Approach:

 

I believe that early relationships profoundly shape who we are, but that current beliefs and behaviors also keep people “trapped” in problematic cycles.  As such, my approach to treatment is both “Interpersonal” and “Cognitive-Behavioral”.  I will work with you to examine past and current patterns in your relationships with others and toward yourself, and I focus on strengthening new behaviors and skills, increasing coping and self-confidence, harnessing motivation for change, and helping you achieve their goals.

 

Summary of Services Provided

 

• Individual and couples therapy  
• Group therapy/Psychological education
• Short-term and long-term treatment

 

*Click here or on left for detailed information on Services & Fees

 

Primary Specialties:

 

I have experience treating a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, substance use, and relationship and intimacy issues.  Below is more information about treatment in specialty areas.

 

Chronic/Acute illness/Stress Management:  I have particular expertise in stress-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, immune-related diseases, and cancer, as well as dealing with cognitive-impairment and HIV/AIDS.  I work with “patients” and caregivers alike.  Treatment is tailored to your specific needs and concerns, and includes elements such as stress management and enhanced self-care, increasing understanding of the physical and emotional process that underlies illness, maximizing functioning, and coping with/adjustment to illness.  

 

Body Issues/Weight Management/Emotional Regulation: Weight or body-related concerns are caused by a multitude of factors, and are usually not solved by simply following the advice in a weight-loss magazine.  For many, eating plays an important role in emotional regulation, and it is important to deal with these underlying issues before healthy weight or body-image can be achieved.  My treatment approach focuses both on core emotional issues and on motivational/behavioral factors that inhibit healthy behavior.

 

Relationships in Transition (Premarital, Adjustment to Parenthood, Miscarriage/Infertility):  I offer premarital work to couples that focuses on key areas of life together (e.g., attitudes toward change, future growth, dynamics of families of origin, finances, independence, etc.), and I feel this is best done in a serious of sessions.  Transition to parenthood work is tailored to the needs of parents as a couple or as an individual, and focuses on emotional and practical aspects of parenting and on the impact to the couple’s relationship.  I also specialize in issues related to miscarriage and infertility, helping individuals work through the unique aspects of this type of loss in their life.  

 

Grief & Loss: Adjustment to life after a significant loss is difficult, and often impairs one’s ability to function in a number of areas.  Treatment focuses on helping clients process and adapt to their loss, as well as incorporating the memory of those lost into one’s sense of self.

 

Education & Training

 

B.S. in Biopsychology; University of California at Santa Barbara, 1992

M.S. in Clinical Psychology; University of Utah, 1998

Ph.D. In Clinical Psychology; University of Utah, 2001

 

Predoctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology - Boston Consortium; Boston, Massachusetts;  2000-2001.

 

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology – Brown University Medical School, Center for Behavioral & Preventive Medicine; Providence, Rhode Island; 2001-2003.

 

Work Settings

 

I am currently an Associate Professor of psychology at the University of Puget Sound, teaching courses on Psychological Disorders, Psychotherapy, Human Sexuality, and Health & Medicine.  In addition to these settings, I have experience working in medical schools and hospital settings (both private and VA medical centers), community clinics, and group practice.