Background & Interests

While I was studying ballet and modern dance and performing as a dancer, my interest in the intricate connections between our minds and bodies inspired me to study dance/movement therapy and then to study and practice yoga and massage. 

One focus of my doctoral work was the impact of brain development in early life upon emotional functioning and regulation throughout life and recent attempts to integrate psychodynamic theory with findings from interdisciplinary research in developmental psychology, psychobiology, and neurobiology.

I incorporate my background and interests in psychodynamic psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR, creative arts (play, art, dance/movement) therapies, mindful awareness practices, and yoga into my work.  

Education

Psy.D.      California School of Professional Psychology

                    - Clinical Psychology, Health

     M.A.         California School of Professional Psychology

                         - Clinical Psychology, Health

     B.A.          California State University, Long Beach

                         - Dance Performance & Choreography

Professional Experience   

University of Southern California  - Psychologist, Counseling Services

Arthur L. Kovacs, Ph.D. and Associates - Psychological Assistant

Center for Discovery and Adolescent Change - Primary Therapist

Clinical Training Includes

EMDR Institute - Part 1, EMDR Basic Training

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute - Treatment of Trauma

Otis College of Art and Design - Student Counseling Services

Wright Institute Los Angeles - Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Julia Ann Singer Center - Child & Family, Family Stress Programs

San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health - Homebound Program

University of California, Los Angeles - Dance/Movement Therapy

Professional Affiliations

American Psychological Association

California Psychological Association

Los Angeles County Psychological Association

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Association

American Dance Therapy Association