Licensed Psychologist (PSY 12290)
Executive Director
Senior Clinical Staff Member
In-Person & Video Sessions
I first arrived at the Berkeley Therapy Institute (BTI) as an intern in 1986. It has been so satisfying to work with an organization that has such a strong mission and a rich history. For over 50 years, and as a community mental health clinic, BTI has maintained its mission to support those with the least resources among us.
Before becoming BTI’s Executive Director in 2014, I was the Director of Training. Participating in the learning process of future psychologists for more than two decades enabled me as a learner. It also inspired me to be the best psychologist I could be.
I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I provide both individual and couple’s therapy. I work to create a safe environment where people can deepen their connection with themselves and others. I help people explore patterns of relating that block and inhibit them from living their best selves. Greater presence, once developed, allows open ways of responding and the capacity to feel contentment, even joy, with oneself and one’s life. When we are more fully embodied, we have more choice about how to respond. The need to rely on previous and less adaptive ways of coping lessens and healthier more adaptive ways of coping emerge.
I’ve also spent many years helping people through end-of-life issues. Witnessing people as they approach the final stage of their lives clarifies many of the struggles we all face throughout our lives. My goal is to help each person I meet to engage open-heartedly and less defensively than before.
But it is through the work I have done with people who have endured massive trauma like war, death-camp internment, and abuse that has taught me to appreciate the ways in which we develop and adapt through resilience, strength, and presence. It takes courage to examine oneself after trauma and even more courage to change oneself and one’s life. I am passionate about contributing to and deeply witnessing people’s lives. I enjoy exploring issues related to existence as a way of discovering greater meaning and purpose for all of us. Helping people acknowledge and connect with previously unknown and unrecognized parts of themselves is rewarding. It is an honor to facilitate such a growth-filled process. I am grateful for all the hard work and dedication I have been exposed to as a psychologist.