My Greatest Reward Is Helping Others To Find Hope and Live A Meaningful Life

When I decided to study psychology and become a therapist, I was surprised by the feedback I received from family and friends. I heard “well, of course you are going to be a therapist - you have already been one for years!”  I began to understand that in my work in other fields, what I valued the most was listening to and helping others. 

As I studied for my degree in Counseling Psychology, I was fascinated by everything I was learning, and it was very exciting for me to discover a career where helping others to get well again did not feel like work at all.  It felt like what I was meant to be doing.

Now, I have been a licensed therapist for over 15 years, with experience in both private practice as well as at the Scrivener Center for Mental Health and Addiction Services at El Camino Health in Mountain View CA.

Serving as Clinician II in the Adult Mood Program at ECH has proved rewarding as I help patients struggling with symptoms of major depression and anxiety find hope again, using evidence based treatment modalities such Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness. I support these individuals to navigate through difficult circumstances, restore restful sleep, enjoy activities and social connection again. It is rewarding to help them as they find new pathways towards a meaningful and healthy life balance.

My Own Challenges Have Helped Me Develop Strong Empathy For Others

Like anyone else who has a life, I have also faced tough challenges in my own history. I can relate to the experiences of others with tough family challenges, parenting, coping with grief and loss, adjusting to unanticipated changes. It is an unavoidable part of most lives. And it goes without saying that coping with difficult circumstances can build strong empathy for others who are struggling with similar challenges. 

I bring to my practice a thorough education in Counseling Psychology as well as excellent  training in a breadth of different areas of mental health issues. Drawing on my experience from private practice, and my years working at the Scrivener Center for Mental Health and Addiction Services, I have helped hundreds of patients restore their mental health and find the hope and motivation to participate in their own lives again. 

Bringing these skills and experience to my private practice in Menlo Park, as well as a healthy sense of humor, I cannot imagine any work more rewarding