I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #13746 and an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #139290. I am also certified in Somatic Psychotherapy and hold a MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.

 

I am a psychoanalyst and a big fan of human beings. My interest in the psyche began early in life when I found theater. In theater, embodying characters helped me connect with and uncover parts of myself that would likely be hidden otherwise. Theater helped me develop empathy for myself and others.

 

Prior to becoming a psychoanalyst, I was a yoga instructor for over a decade. I have taught at many yoga studios in Santa Barbara including Yoga Soup, CorePower Yoga, and Yasa Yoga. My background in yoga has shown me that human beings are complicated, integrated beings, not disconnected parts. I believe that the mind and body are wholly interconnected.

 

I have been an actor for most of my life which has spurred my interest in the psyche. Becoming different characters helped me get in touch with layers of myself and helped me develop empathy for others. Currently, I am actively involved with improv acting and find that tools learned in improv help to connect more deeply in the therapy room.

 

I am a musician— I sing and play the guitar and violin, and music has connected me to emotions within myself and others.

 

I love learning and continue to study psychoanalysis under my teachers, Dr. Claudia Luiz, Dr. Jane Goldberg, and my supervisor, Angela R. Wurtzel, MA, LMFT.

 

I also love animals, gardening, and board games. I have two cats and one dog who has been by my side for 13 years. I am married and have been with my husband for seven years. I am familiar with the challenges and the joys of marriage.