But come here now,
into the arms
of the waiting world,
put down
that heavy burden
you have carried so long,
and rest. 

-"Intimate Invitation", David Whyte

Hello.  I am so glad you've reached out for support. 

  
I am a licensed psychotherapist (CA MFT #46690), expressive arts therapist, somatic therapist, and former graduate level professor of psychology.  I have been doing this work since 2004.  I specialize in Jungian-oriented, trauma-informed depth psychotherapy, expressive arts therapy, and somatic therapy.  My areas of expertise are in complex and developmental trauma, sexual trauma, grief, and adult survivors of neglect and abuse.  I work frequently with queer and transgender/LGBT people, partners of transgender people, people exploring various relationship configurations, sex workers, and those who are estranged from a parent or parents.  

I am attuned to systemic oppression and ways it shapes us all. 

I engage in on-going daily study and bring my whole heart and presence to this work.  

I am deeply honored by all who have chosen me to companion them on their journeys.  

I really care about and believe in what I do.  

Below are some highlights of my training: 

-Candidate, C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco (Fall 2023-current).

-Jungian Sandplay Training (year-long course fulfilling Registered Sandplay Therapist requirements).  Dr. Barbara Turner (2022-2023) 

-Opening the Closed Heart: Meetings with the Human and Archetypal Child in the Psychotherapy of Early Trauma conference.  Houston Jung Institute (2022)

-Jungian-Oriented Psychotherapy (year-long course).  San Francisco Jung Institute (2021-2022)

-Dream School (year-long course).  This Jungian Life (2020-2021)

-Soul Work and the Art of Ripening: The Alchemy of Initiation with Francis Weller.  Rowe Center (2021)

-Healing the Fragmented Selves (on dissociation and dissociative identity disorder) with Dr. Janina Fisher (2020)

-Exploring Modern Relationships with Esther Perel.  CIIS (2019)

-Eco-therapy with Mary Jane Covell (2019)

-5Rhythms (dance and movement) class experience (2016-2020)

-Dagara ritual and spirituality with Dr. Malidoma Somé (2016)

-Grieving and Ritual with Sobonfu Somé.  CIIS (2016)

-A Life of Spirit in Action with Joanna Macy.  CIIS (2016)

-Racial Trauma: Healing Ourselves, Our Clients, Our Communities with Dr. Joy DeGruy and Dr. Ken Hardy (2016)

-Trans Health Summit, University of California at San Francisco (2015)

-The Marriage of Expressive Arts and Jungian Psychotherapy with Dr. Kate Donohue (2013)

-New Frontiers in Trauma Treatment with Bessel Van Der Kolk (2013)

-Bodywork with Staci Haines and Richard Strozzi (year-long courses.  Strozzi Institute (2013)

-Faith & Sexuality conference, Stanford University (2012)

-Advanced Somatics & Trauma with Staci Haines (year-long course).  Generative Somatics (2012)

-Somatics & Trauma with Staci Haines (year-long course).  Generative Somatics (2011)

-Theatre of the Oppressed with Laine Forman and Jamie Samowitz (2011)

-Somatic Experiencing with Peter Levine (2011)

-Somatic Experiencing with Steven Hoskinson (2010)

-Inagural Form on Family conference with Dr. Bruce Perry (2010)

-Eco-therapy with Phoenix Smith.  Edgewood Center (2009) 

-Queer Bodies in Psychotherapy by CIIS, San Francisco (2008)

-Dimensions X Conference on transgender identity and care, Dimensions Clinic, San Francisco (2008) 

-Trauma-focused CBT, Edgewood Center (2008)

-Participatory Decision-Making.  Edgewood Center (2007) 

-Infant-Parenting Psychotherapy certificate with Dr. Alicia Lieberman and Child Trauma Research Project (year-long course).  University of California at San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry (2006) 

-Sexual Assault Counselor Certificate.  Rape Trauma Services, Burlingame (2005) 

-M.A in Counseling Psychology with emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy.  California Institute of Integral Studies (2005) 

-B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Philosophies of Healing.  Global College, Long Island University (2001) 

-Yoga Teacher Training Certificate.  Bihar School of Yoga, Karala, India (2000)

-Reiki Attunements (Levels 1 & 2).  Global College, Bangalore, India (1999-2000)

-Conversational Swahili Certificate.  Global College, Machakos, Kenya (1997)

-Liceo Diurno de Esparza (6-months of coursework).  Puntarenas, Costa Rica (1995)

Professional experience:

-Private Practice Psychotherapist, Expressive Arts Therapist, Individual & Group Clinical Supervisor and Consultant (2010-present), San Francisco, Oakland, and West Sonoma County, California

-Professor, Expressive Arts Therapy M.A. Program, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco

-Clinical Group Supervisor/Consultant, Downtown Oakland Therapy Center

-Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) Child & Family Clinician, Edgewood Center and Family Service Agency, San Francisco 

-Differential Response Program Manager (partnering with San Mateo County Child Protective Services), Edgewood Center, San Mateo

-Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Jewish Family & Children's Services and Edgewood Center, San Francisco

-Clinician, YMCA of San Francisco, San Mateo 

-Sexual Assault Counselor and Medical-Legal Exam Attendant & Advocate, Rape Trauma Services, Burlingame 

-Teen Program Director, UCRS, San Diego

-Herbal Medicine Clinical Intern, Madawa, Zanzibar, Tanzania 

-Welfare Advocate Intern, Fremont Public Association, Seattle