@TraumaTherapySD

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    A Little Bit About Me

    I am a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience. Most of this experience has been working with adults with multiple mental health struggles such as PTSD, Gender Dysphoria, Bipolar, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Schizophrenia and addictions. Over the years I have found a passion and talent for working with complex and attachment trauma and have found that training in EMDR therapy has been integral to my work.

    I am a psychology nerd at heart and love learning and growing. I am always reading a new psychology book, or attending a conference or training. I am always looking for ways to fine tune and elevate my work. I want to keep getting better and this includes actively seeking feedback from those I work with on how I am showing up as a therapist for them. I truly appreciate and value feedback from my clients and seek to foster an environment where we can both be real with each other. I believe that I have the expertise in the field of psychology and you are the expert in your own experience, together we will make a powerful team.

    In recent years I have begun working with trans, non-binary and gender queer individuals. I have been so honored to be a part of their journey, and humbled by how much I had to learn. This spurred me to seek additional training and certification as a Transgender Care Therapist so that I can be a better resource and advocate. I am continually seeking to better my understanding of the varied experiences of the individuals I work with.

    My Values

    This work I do is a calling, not just a job. Part of that calling is a responsibility to give back. I have worked most of my career in public mental health settings serving those with limited resources and I loved it. In that work there was an emphasis on equalizing the power dynamic between clinician and client, that very much aligns with my belief that I am not above anyone. I have no desire to try to be a white savior. I believe that everyone deserves access to the best quality mental health care and I have tried to live this value through education and advocacy.

    As an intersectional feminist, I can acknowledge that I am privileged as a cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, white woman. I know there are many layers of identity and experience that shape our lives. As someone working to be antiracist, I recognize the ways in which my privilege affects my outlook and work to come from a place of cultural humility. I do not expect you to share these values or perspective, but it’s important for you to know that I am mindful of how these layers affect you, me and the therapy. In particular it is important for me to let you know talking about race, racism and our differing experiences is something that is absolutely okay and even necessary for us to do together.

    Animal Lover

    I am an animal lover in general and a dog lover in particular. I currently have three dogs at home, one of whom is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sadie who comes with me to the office every day and is in training to be an official therapy dog. To learn more about Sadie the therapy dog click here.

    Her siblings are an English Bulldog named Chewie (short for Chewbacca) and a French Bulldog named Lucy. They are my children and are endlessly entertaining. I know the value of having a dog in the home and am capable of writing letters for Emotional Support Animals.

    Chewie

    Chewie

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    Lucy

    Lucy

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    Sadie

    Sadie

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    Are You Ready To Take The First Step?

    Credentials

    Certifications:

    Certified EMDR Therapist

    Certified Transgender Care Therapist

    Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies

    EMDR Adult, Complex Trauma & Dissociation Specialist Intensive Program

    Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress

    Education:

    BA, Psychology – University of California, Santa Barbara with honors

    Psi Chi – International Honor Society in Psychology, member

    MA – California School of Professional Psychology, at Alliant International University

    PhD – California School of Professional Psychology, at Alliant International University

    Assocations:

    American Psychological Association

    EMDR International Association

    International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

    San Diego Psychological Association

    World Professional Association for Transgender Health

    Reach Out Today!

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