When we stop and think, or stop and feel, quite often there can be a realization that FEAR has found its way into our mind, heart, and spirit.  Fear that relationships aren’t unfolding as we hoped, fear that we are not empowered to handle personal changes and challenges, fear from the past that still haunt us or fear of the future that keep us from fully living in the present…in essence we may not feel very secure, powerful or hopeful.

My therapeutic work carefully and respectfully explores those fears and the impact on your personal goals and healthy engagement with family, spouses, friends, significant others and co-workers.  Together we seek a better understanding of your unique personality design, building on your strengths and adjusting the thoughts and actions that may be working against a fuller and happier living experience.

Specialized Areas of Therapeutic Work

            COUPLES:  I specialize in working with couples in crisis, who are unsure of their next step as well as those couples who just need “a thorough tune-up” for their committed but currently stressful partnership.  Marriage has many seasons and challenges that often negatively play out in areas of communication, intimacy, role definitions and satisfaction, sexuality, finances, fidelity, boundaries with family members and childrearing.  I work very often with young married couples who have hit surprise marital speed bumps and issues that need the kind of conflict resolution they weren't prepared to do.  We creatively, and usually with some humor, get back on track with a plan and some tools that re~secure a couple’s emotional connection so they can continue building their home and family.

WOMEN:  I also have a long history of working with women of all ages and stages (16-60+) in areas of their personal growth and “life in transition” goals.  There are major life stage changes and dozens of other minor types of transitions women find themselves moving in or out of…high school, college, single life, marriage, divorce, child-rearing, careers, menopause, illnesses, or empty nest.  So we look at the fears and the restrictions brought on by disruptive moods, anger, destructive thoughts, grieving and loss, depression, anxiety, personality traits, gender identity, poor self esteem and even obsessions, abuse, addictions and health issues that may emerge during these transition periods.  I also focus on women who have had traumatic experiences, victimization, or early childhood issues that may restrict current emotional and cognitive health.  In a collaborative effort we build on the insights, strengths, talents, and passions that each woman has within her.  We strive to honor the balance of the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual components of the complete woman!

Real Life and Professional Experience

            I recently celebrated my 27th wedding anniversary with my husband who is a comedian, film writer and drama director.  We have emptied the nest of our 25 yr. old daughter who is a working art consultant and writer and our 21 yr. old son who is looking to combine his passions as a L.A. cop, missionary, screenwriter and global adventurer.  I daily fight the entropy taking over the house and the golden retriever taking over the couch.

I have been involved in leadership of family and womens programs over the past 20 years at my home church.  Being a guest speaker and teacher around the Los Angeles and Ventura areas to various mothers', women’s and couples' groups is a true passion!  My philosophical approach to my life and work is from the scripture verse 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and a strong mind.”

Education & Professional Background

            I have a B.S. in Communication from Ohio University and a M.A. in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy.  I am trained and certified in EMDR and my Master’s dissertation was on PTSD and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.  Professional memberships include California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists and American Association of Christian Counselors and the Conejo Valley Christian Therapists Association.  My private practice has two locations: Westlake Village and Woodland Hills, CA.