I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in chronic pain
and illness, older adults and stress-related disorders.
My work utilizes the client's strengths to accomplish their self-identified goals. I typically use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology and motivational interviewing. Other interventions may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT I), and biofeedback. Recognizing the importance of working with the whole person, I frequently collaborate with other health care providers and family members (where appropriate) to help facilitate the individual's recovery and growth.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pain Management (CBPM)
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Psychotherapy support for pain medication reduction
Support for caregiving issues
Developing mindfulness to reduce pain and stress
Positive Psychology to identify and increase personal strengths
Motivational Interviewing to break road blocks to well being
Interdisciplinary collaboration
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Association of Pain Psychology -- Member
American Psychological Association -- Division 38, Health Psychology – Member
California Psychological Association -- Member
Marin County Psychological Association – Member and two-term President
CERTIFICATIONS
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a system of psychological techniques that retrains the brain to interpret and respond to signals from the body properly, subsequently breaking the cycle of chronic pain. Pain Reprocessing Therapy has five main components: 1) education about the brain origins and reversibility of pain, 2) gathering and reinforcing personalized evidence for the brain origins and reversibility of pain, 3) attending to and appraising pain sensations through a lens of safety, 4) addressing other emotional threats, and 5) gravitating to positive feelings and sensations. The training program is a 4-week program and the technique’s successful results have been published in JAMA.
Primary Care Behavioral Health
I have received a certificate of completion in a 6-week Primary Care Behavioral Health course. This certificate program is from the University of Massachusetts, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Course topics included: primary care culture and needs; evidenced-based therapies and substance abuse in primary care; child development and collaborative pediatric practice; behavioral health care for chronic illnesses; care management and an overview of psychotropic medication in primary care; behavioral medicine techniques; and families and culture in primary care.
RELEVANT RESEARCH
My dissertation, titled “Older Adults’ Perceptions of Pain Medications,” is a qualitative study examining the emotional heuristics older adults use when choosing whether to take their pain medications. The methodology involved in-home interviews with 11 older adults (ages 63 to 86) and the final product is the dissertation as well as a 30-minute DVD highlighting relevant themes. The dissertation includes recommendations for pain management specialists as well as for psychologists for improving pain management in older adults.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
2019 Training -- "Older Adults and Pain Management"Institute on Aging, Post-Doctoral Training
2018 Presenter -- “Staying Social -- It’s More Than Just Fun, Marin Villages Senior Group
2018 Presenter -- “Managing Difficult Sibling Relationships” Presentation developed for Senior Access and specifically for sibling caregivers negotiating conflict while caring for parents
2016 Presenter -- “Managing the Impacts of Stress of Your Health”, Senior Access and Smith Ranch Homes
2014 Presenter -- "Mental Health, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke" Sponsored by Marin Health and Human Services, Sutter Health and Episcopal Senior Communities
2013 Poster presentation – American Pain Society Annual Meeting
2013 Poster presentation – Society for Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting
2012 Presenter and panelist – National Summit on Opioid Safety, Co-sponsored by: Group Health Research Institute, Project ROAM, and Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP)
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / TRAINING
Cognitive Behavioral Assessment & Treatment of Patients with Chronic Pain
Working with Caregivers
Elder Abuse
Working with Victims of Domestic Abuse
Neuropsychological screenings for dementia (Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
Child Abuse
Family Therapy
Positive Neuroplasticity Training
BOARDS
2013 -- Present, Marin County Psychological Association, Two-terms as President
The Marin County Psychological Association is a chapter of the California Psychological Association. Our mission is to help improve the lives of our community members through engagement with other local mental health organizations and promoting and maintaining high standards of professional conduct for psychologists.
2005 -- Board Member, Apple FamilyWorks
A Marin County-based agency that serves the mental health needs of families and individuals facing a broad spectrum of challenges.
1996 – 2002 – Chairperson, Volunteers for Fairfax
Community-based volunteer board. I was responsible for projects ranging from creek clean ups to a $250,000 playground renovation funded by state bond money and local donations.
RELEVANT EDUCATION
9/07 – 5/13 Psy.D., Clinical Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology
at Alliant International University (APA accredited)
San Francisco, California
8/06 – 5/07 Coursework taken in Masters Program in Counseling Psychology
Dominican University of California,
San Rafael, CA