Born and bred in Los Angeles, California, where I received an undergraduate degree in Art History and Film at UCLA. I also did graduate study in their film department and spent my early adult years working in the film and television industry as a production executive and writer. I was married for over 30 years to a television/film writer-producer and we raised three wonderful children. I spent a number of years in Montreal, Quebec, when my husband worked on Canadian television and film projects. When he retired, we moved to Durham, NC.

Life, family events and a history of friends and associates with substance use disorders fueled my lifelong interest in psychology. Once my children were grown, I enrolled in the UNC Graduate School of Social Work to obtain a master’s degree and credential as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, enabling me to work as a social worker, a therapist and a substance abuse counselor.

My life path shows that it is never too late to begin a new, productive life. We are all capable at any age of reinventing ourselves if we have the passion and desire to do so. This belief guides my work as a therapist.

Since graduate school, I have continued my growth as a therapist by attending many workshops and training sessions as well as intensive reading in the field. I have focused on learning multiple therapy modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), mindfulness techniques, existential therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  I am a Certified Personality Disorder Clinician (C-PD) as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

I have studied mental health disorders, including attachment disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, dual diagnoses, and relational issues. I continue to study and develop my knowledge and arsenal of therapeutic tools.

With this wide range of available treatments I can tailor your therapy to your individual needs with a compassionate, non-judgmental focus. As Carl Jung said, “The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.” I want to listen to you, to take the time to understand your goals, and your vision for your life.

From my many clients I have learned even more about the human condition and its fascinating challenges. I have had clients who were homeless,  recently released from federal prison,  veterans with PTSD and were experiencing moral trauma, as well as clients who were privileged and addicted, or who were unhappy and unfulfilled. None of them knew why.

I have been blessed to have had each of my clients in my life, and have been allowed to participate in their quest for the life they want and deserve. I have learned that trauma, grief and loss are universally present in all walks of life.

I would like to be part of your pursuit of a rich and meaningful life, filled with joy and the ability to accept life’s inevitable ups and downs with serenity, purpose and grace.