my services
adult psychotherapy & consultation
People who work with me often come to seek help for their deep pain and sadness; debilitating levels of anxiety; or unproductive repeated relational patterns. I can provide you with psychotherapy or consultation to help bear these overwhelming feelings within you, and together we will co-create the change you wish for your life.
In this nurturing space, I welcome unconditionally ALL parts of yourself: the shamed, the guilty, the sad and grieving, the angry and raging. All parts of you need to be seen, heard and felt. Together, we will tenderly pay close attention to the physical sensations in your body that get stirred up with the emotional content. I will gently support the healing process, and provide my professional observation for your continuous process.
People from all walks of life and backgrounds are welcome here.
Reflective Practice Facilitation & Mentoring
This clinical-like supervision was developed and established by a ZERO TO THREE workgroup in the late 1980s and early 1990s to ensure the quality of care for children from prenatal to age five. Since then, the California Center for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health has encouraged a professional endorsement for all providers.
One of the key processes in Reflective Practice Facilitation is based on the understanding that there is a powerful set of parallels that happen in relationships, between the supervisee and the supervisor; the caregiver and the supervisee (as the caregiver’s provider); and the young child and his/her caregiver. It is with the understanding that when the supervisee is provided with a safe and nurturing environment for learning and growth, the caregiver and the baby would, in turn, be supported.
If you wish to receive such nurturance and supportive reflective facilitation for your work and endorsement, I would love to provide that as a Reflective Practice Mentor.
early childhood consultation for parents
Parents of children birth to age five have come to me to seek help for their young child’s difficulties. These difficulties can range from crying and tantrums that are difficult to soothe, to separation anxiety, aggression toward others, and being withdrawn.
Peter Fonagy, one of the creators of Mentalization-Based therapy states: “For normal development … the child needs to experience a Mind that has his Mind in Mind, that is able to reflect on his intentions accurately, and does not overwhelm him.”
I will help create a safe space that will support you in your relationship with your child, and in understanding your child’s behavior(s). While I do not provide direct service for the child, I will glean from the information you provide on a detailed Child’s Developmental Checklist before the consultation. At the consultation, I will spend the time listening, supporting, reflecting, and shedding light from a developmental, attachment, sensory processing/integration, social and emotional perspective.
come home to myself retreat
This half-day one-on-one retreat is for mental health professionals who identify themselves as women. This retreat will be an invitation for you to rebalance your personal and professional life, and center and ground yourself by integrating unattended aspects of yourself in gentle and kind ways.
Having been in the mental health field for more than two decades, I can relate to the emotional stresses this work can have on us, and to our tendency to neglect our own needs while caring for others.
In the four hours together, I will offer you my undivided attention, with reflective listening and genuine interest in all that you bring for exploration and discussion. The supportive space will be held with curiosity and openness for your intelligence to inform the process.
The activities for the 4-hour day include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
* an in-office psychological consultation in two 1.5 hour blocks
* walk/easy hike on one of Ojai’s hiking trails and talk, weather permitting
*a combination of an office visit and walk/hike
* lunch at a local eatery (cost of lunch and beverages not included)
If Come Home To Myself Retreat resonates with you, I invite you to contact me. We will curate this experience together during the 20-minute free consultation call.