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(Parenting Counseling)

A systemic perspective does not seek to assign blame, but rather strives to reorganize the impact of life influences that bring about pain.  A typical clinical scenario might involve a single adult who complains of feeling depressed.  A family systems approach might (1) explore childhood losses that may continue to be unresolved in adulthood (for example; abuse, neglect or inadequate support due to parental alcoholism), (2) recognize a pervasive anxiety response to close relationships due to a history of failed connections with others, and (3) understand how an inability to plan for and realize positive life experiences (a satisfying job, close friendships or committed involvements) contribute to maintenance of chronic, low-grade depression.  A "systemic" healing process in this scenario would attempt to (1) heal the pain of multiple losses by supporting the grief process (perhaps through the expression of suppressed angers or a ritual of remembrance and closure), (2) reduce anxiety by providing cognitive-behavioral training in positive social skills (thereby changing the old role the client may have learned to play growing up in an alcoholic family) and (3) facilitate support for positive self and life management by assigning homework that alters the clients understanding of his or her strengths and limits.

My commitment to my work is deeply integrated into my own life perspective.   I believe in the right of each person to experience his or her highest potential and my clinical skills are tools for my clients to use in achieving the best life they can know.  When I am successful in this effort, a significant part of my own potential is realized.

For the past twenty years I have worked full-time in a broad range of clinical settings:   psychiatric hospitals, long-term residential treatment facilities for children and adolescents, outpatient clinics and counseling centers.

In 1985 I began my professional journey "in the trenches" as a counselor in the Youth Center of an Oakland, California psychiatric hospital, then as a clinical social worker to severely emotionally disturbed children in a long-term residential treatment in San Francisco from 1989 to 1993.

My professional experience in these settings included direct intervention in the most extreme of human suffering: psychotic, violent and suicidal behaviors, profound alcohol and drug abuse, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, loss of family by death or abandonment.  My work included group therapy, in-home family therapy, case-management and the coordination of treatment with community resources.  I learned much about "the big picture" of a client's problem and how to address problems from a variety of approaches.

From 1995 to 1998 I coordinated an outpatient counseling center for Pacific Gateway Hospital and was responsible for all management, marketing and direct clinical services.

As an adjunct to my professional work and a central aspect of my own self development, I have pursued an interest in the creative process, symbolic expression, alternative health and wellness processes from my early teen years, over thirty years.  I have received training in Jungian symbolic interpretation, play therapy, and art therapy.  I integrate these approaches into my personal life on a daily basis by maintaining a journal begun at age 18, drawing and playing music whenever I can and practicing positive self-care through my diet and exercise choices.  A mid-life woman, I am knowledgeable about the physical and emotional issues of perimenopause and menopause and provide education and support to clients on these issues when appropriate.

My work is not separate from the time I spend outside the office.  I believe in "walking the walk", not just "talking the talk".  Good therapy is grounded in knowledge, awareness, effort, caring, and integrity: principles of conduct that guide my own choices and the intention I bring to my client's need for support and healing.