There are a number of techniques used by psychologists to facilitate the process of growth and change:

Throughout my years of experience, I have studied and used all of these techniques. I have ultimately found that each individual brings their unique character and history to the change process. The most successful approach may bring together elements of each of these techniques to create a unique therapeutic recipe for productive and rewarding change. My role is to guide you through the change process, continually challenging and encouraging you to make the changes that will lead to a more fulfilling life and rewarding relationships.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common and insidious disorders. They require different approaches depending on a person’s age and the severity. I have helped many reclaim their power over these challenging problems.

Men in their 40’s and 50’s often struggle with navigating this passage in life. They often feel an omnipresent need to recreate themselves and their lives. The effects of neglected marriages, affairs, physical changes, career plateaus, and success require attention, or they may crash and burn. I have a passion for helping men find their way through this rocky territory.

The relationship between partners can bring us more joy and more pain than most other areas of our lives. By the time many couples come to counseling usually hurt, pain, and resentment have permeated their interactions with one another. They have become stuck in destructive patterns of behavior. The science of neurobiology is making enormous strides in helping us understand what makes relationships so difficult to change. We have found that the “dynamics” of a relationship are intimately related to how our brain reacts to our partner’s tone of voice, facial changes, gestures, and touch. My approach is to help each individual identify their own part of the relationship dance that leads to conflict or connection. I use my experience in working with hundreds of couples to employ a unique set of techniques and exercises that will move the relationship toward healing and fulfillment.

Addiction takes many forms—alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, sex, gambling, food—I have worked with over a thousand individuals and their families with various forms and severity of addiction. My approach is based on decades of experience in helping people transcend the compulsive and destructive behaviors that are common to all of these addictions. I blend a unique set of strategies to help each individual conquer their addiction demons and begin to build a healthy and fulfilling life.

I have provided substance abuse assessments and evaluations for individuals, families, and the Court. I have extensive experience with blending principles of the 12 step model with psychotherapy both with individuals as well as couples.

For many years I directed a treatment program specializing in cocaine addiction. I conducted supervision, and consultation to the addiction treatment facilities associated with the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.

I have taken special coursework and passed a proficiency exam to become certified by the American Psychological Association as well as the National Association for Addiction Professionals to treat “Alcohol and other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders”.

I provide Alcohol and Drug Use Evaluations for the Family Court.

I have worked closely with many Family Law Attorneys during and after divorce. I provide treatment for individuals and family members, as well as psychological guidance during this most stressful time. I have experience in how Family Court works and can assist in navigating the difficulties associated with establishing child custody, mediating differences, and managing high conflict divorces. I have experience testifying in Family Court and in helping Attorneys mediate between divorcing spouses.

I believe strongly in the research that indicates the impact of divorce on the children is directly related to the ability of the parents to co-parent following the divorce. I can assist in developing and implementing post-divorce parenting plans. There is no greater way divorcing parents can help their children than to work out their differences therapeutically, not in front of their children or in front of a Judge.

Certainly, many life transitions are not problematic. People make significant changes in their lives and respond to new circumstances without counseling or psychotherapy. However, some life transitions have a deeper impact and psychotherapy can be helpful and expedite moving from point A to point B more directly and with greater awareness of what is involved in the process.

External life changes can be driven by new and unforeseen circumstances associated with career or job changes, divorce, retirement, relocation, aging, illness, and new relationships. Change can require decision-making and often dealing with conflicts. Understanding your motives, recurrent patterns, and gaining clarity can be facilitated by certain psychotherapeutic approaches.

Internal life transitions can include spiritual growth or change. It is often helpful to examine the questions that come with changing beliefs, values, and needs that occur at different stages of life. Some internal transitions may be large and transformational. Others may be smaller yet require the resolving of inner conflicts that often accompany change. Often internal transitions require developing new paradigms and increasing one’s capacity for acceptance and “letting go”. Psychotherapy can be beneficial in this process as often it can illuminate “blind spots” we all have when looking at ourselves and our lives.