Text Box: Text Box: Services offered: Individual Psychotherapy: Children and Adults Couples Counseling Parenting Groups Parenting Seminars Community Seminars What is your experience? I have worked for over 18 years with individuals of all ages as they face life transitions. Listed below is a brief summary of my education and experience. Bachelors of Science, UCLA, 1983, Masters of Social Work, USC 1989 Provided therapy to children and adults in a variety of settings, working with individuals, couples and families. Expertise with issues of divorce, and abuse and neglect. Developed curriculum and conducted parenting groups in the community. Work experience includes: providing services in private practice, working as a school counselor, developing a residential treatment program for families facing abuse and neglect, and providing social work supervision for clinicians preparing for licensing exams. What is your philosophy of practice? Therapy should be an interactive and cooperative process, which seeks solutions and develops skills that can be used throughout your life. The objectives are to: Identify what you want to achieve Discover what is blocking your success Develop skills to overcome these obstacles Put those skills into practice What can I expect at the first appointment? Since therapy is a cooperative process, an essential piece is developing a positive, trusting relationship with your therapist. Typically, during the first session, I will explain in more detail my background, philosophy of practice and answer any questions that you may have. We also discuss your current situation and begin to form treatment goals. If the appointment is for a child, what can I expect at the first appointment? The goal is always for the child to feel safe and secure. In the first session, I invite the parent and child into the office. About midway through the session, I will ask if the child feels comfortable having their parent go to the waiting room. If a child wants their parent to stay, then I work with the child with the parent in the room. Throughout the therapy process there may be times that the parent will need to be involved in sessions to achieve success. What do I bring to the first appointment? You do not need to bring anything to the first appointment. If you feel there is something that would be helpful in illustrating your current situation, please feel free to bring it. There will be a clipboard in the lobby with paperwork that you can fill out as you wait. If you choose to use your insurance benefits, please be sure to bring your insurance card and/or insurance authorization. What happens if I miss my appointment? If you need to cancel an appointment, please call 24 hours in advance, so that I can readjust my schedule. If the appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance there may be a $25 cancellation fee charged.