About me
I’m a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT) and a co-founder of Beyond Psychology Center, a somatic and depth psychotherapy practice based in West Los Angeles. I take an integrative approach to healing, combining attachment theory, family systems, psychodynamic, somatic practices, mindfulness, play therapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
I’m currently immersed in a three-year Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) training—a body-based approach to healing trauma and stress developed by Dr. Peter Levine. I’m also EMDR-trained and certified through EMDRIA. I’ve been fortunate to learn from respected trauma professionals, including a concentrated training with Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score.
I see clients in person in West Los Angeles (on border of Santa Monica) and virtually across California.
Background
Before founding Beyond Psychology Center, I worked at the child and family practice, North Star Families, under the supervision of clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Denham. I also practiced at Counseling West, with supervision in somatic and depth psychology, and as a school therapist, where I applied play, art, and family systems approaches.
My path to therapy is enriched by a varied background. I taught visual art to kids and teens in Los Angeles, worked in brand strategy for agencies in New York and Los Angeles, and spent several years exploring some of the world’s wild places.
I earned an MS in Counseling from California State University, Northridge, and a BA in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond.
Outside of my practice, I enjoy creating art, practicing yoga, and spending time in nature. I live in Santa Monica with my family.
Education and training
MS, California State University, Northridge
Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialty
BA, University of Richmond
Leadership Studies, Business Administration Minor
Somatic Experiencing Professional Training Program
Somatic Experiencing International
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Trained
EMDRIA Certified
Reflective Parenting Program 1
Center for Reflective Communities
Child-Centered Play Therapy with Neurorelational Emphasis
Play Strong Institute
Certificate in Early Childhood Development
Santa Monica College
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training
MUSC
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
University of California, Davis
The Psycho-Dynamics of Diagnosis, Case Formulation, and Supervision with Dr. Nancy McWilliams
Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies
Clinical Application of the Adult Attachment Interview
Insight Center
Mindful Awareness Practices 1
University of California, Los Angeles
Visual Thinking Strategies
Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA)