I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I provide psychotherapy, drama therapy, play therapy, and group therapy to individuals, couples, families, and children at the Living Arts Counseling Center in Oakland.
I bring to my practice years of combined experience as a therapist and adoption social worker. I have a wealth of experience working with California’s most vulnerable children- children in foster care. I have also counseled many families through the challenging yet incredibly rewarding process of special needs adoption. I have counseled children ages 0-18, with diverse family make-ups including: single parents, transracial, LGBT, co-parents, and blended. Much of my experience includes children with special emotional/behavioral issues such as Reactive Attachment Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, depression, and victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect.
I provide a non-judgmental warm, playful space for which all children (including us big kids) can fully express themselves. I use various approaches in my work including Psychodynamic, in which we explore early experiences and feelings that might define present behavior, Jungian, where we forge connections with images that emerge spontaneously to explore new realms of possibility, Family Systems, an exploration of family roles and how these continue into our current relationships, Psychodrama, where we act out personal dramas which may lead to emotional release, and Solution Focused Therapy, where we stress innate resources, survival skills, set goals and reach them.
I’ve studied and taught improvisational theatre for over 15 years, and passionately believe in the healing power of play. I’ve facilitated improv workshops and trainings for children, adults, families, performing artists, and business leaders through my theatre company, Leela. I currently lead an on-going drama therapy group, Improv For Shy People. I have also studied modern and African dance, contact improv, and choreography, often fusing movement into my work with clients. As a performing artist, I am empathic to the unique struggles of artists. An avid follower of The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, I will often incorporate artistic recovery/discovery tools for creative blocks into the therapeutic process.
I look forward to guiding you on a journey of self-acceptance and creative growth.