As a LicensedMarriage and Family Therapist I am trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive social, marriage, and family adjustment. To maintain my California licensure, I have completed the necessary intensive coursework at an accredited university, passed both the written and oral examinations, accrued more than3,000 hours of supervised experience, and receive at least 36 hours of approved, mandatory continuing education every two-year licensing renewal period. In addition, I am a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), a clinical mental health professional who has met nationally accepted criteria of education, training and experience in group psychotherapy. A certified CGP is considered an expert in group psychotherapy and an ethical practitioner who is committed to group psychotherapy as an autonomous treatment modality.
I have a M.A. Degree in Clinical Psychology from accredited John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California, and a B.A. Degree in Psychology, graduating with honors from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California. My private practice is in Mill Valley, CA, 10 miles North of San Francisco. With more than 20 years of experience, I provide professional support to individuals, couples, families, and groups. I am a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society, and the International Cultic Studies Association.
In June, 2008, I completed a Post-Graduate Psychotherapy Training Program with the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group (SFPRG), a one-year post-graduate program on the theory and practice of psychotherapy. The program is designed for practicing mental health professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of how people respond to life events and how psychotherapy works.
The conceptual framework for the program is a psychodynamic,cognitive,relational theory that has been empirically validated and supported. The theory provides a foundation for the exploration and understanding of a wide range of clinical phenomena, therapeutic interventions, and theoretical issues.
I continue to deepen my knowledge of and competence in clinical treatment for individuals, couples, and groups. More recently, I have attended trainings for trauma and its treatment, studying and attending conferences presented by leaders in the field, including Bessel van der Kolk, MD (Mill Valley, 2003; SF, 2008); John Briere, PhD (SF, 2009); Judith Herman, MD, and presenters with SF Psychotherapy Research (SF, 2008, 2009). I have also received certifications in mediation & The Shared Parenting Support Program(c) for Divorced Parents.
For the past 13 years, I have attended the Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society Annual Conference/Training Institute at the beautiful Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, CA. This two and one-half day residential training event features master group therapists, selected for their demonstrated expertise in clinical group psychotherapy, as well as didactic and experiential teaching.
Besides my private practice, previous clinical positions include: San Francisco Children's Hospital Child Crisis Services for Children, Adolescents, and Families at High-Risk; Marin Community Mental Health Services, Children & Families Division; Clement Street Counseling Center, San Francisco; Marin Assisted Independent Living Program, San Francisco and San Rafael, treating those diagnosed with severe mental illness; Center Point Drug Treatment Program in San Rafael, CA, serving as Director of the Adolescent Division and Member of the Marin County Juvenile Drug Court, San Rafael.
I also draw from my own life experiences. At 14, my mother and I were recruited into what I now identify as a "Christian"/"Mystical" cult that I left when I was 16. At 19, four years after my mother's death, I was recruited into an "Eastern" / "New Age" cult in which I was actively involved for seven years. After I left, I pursued a career in acting and benefitted from studying with the late, esteemed teacher, Peggy Feury, in a two-year intensive program at The Loft Studio in Los Angeles. Then I returned to studies in clinical psychology and counseling. I enjoy home life with my husband, family and friends that includes our Persian cat, the garden, birds, walking, viewing the Redwood-covered ridge, visiting the ocean nearby, reading and listening to music.
I am deeply grateful to my clients, for their motivation, courage, insights, perseverance, honesty, intelligence, and compassion, from whom I gain more than they may ever know.
"Belle" ... my dear friend, aware of everything...
Photo taken in Giverny, France by C Russell.
"Belle" ... 