Approach
I believe that with a little determination and exploration, each of us can make positive changes in our lives that will lead to more fulfilled and satisfying relationships.
I provide my clients a safe, nurturing environment, while supporting them during difficult times or while they are taking courageous steps to make changes in their lives.
I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches. Through a psychodynamic approach, I am able to help clients explore how their early experiences impact their current relationships and relational patterns. I also use a cognititve-behavioral approach to assist clients in finding more adaptive ways of perceiving themselves, others, and circumstances, which may create positive changes in mood and behavior.
Specialties and Issues
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 17 years of experience, who provides counseling services to adults and couples. I specialize in relationship issues, young adult issues, and perinatal mental health.
A passion that is near to my heart is helping women navigate difficulties to and through motherhood. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International and work with many issues, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, postpartum adjustment, TFMR, infertility, moms on bed rest, perinatal loss, and pregnancy after loss.
I am passionate about helping college and graduate students navigate young adulthood issues. I help many students with issues such as difficulty transitioning to college, perfectionism, setting boundaries, and help forming healthier relationships with family, friends, and partners.
Other concerns I address include family of origin issues, attachment issues, divorce or break-up adjustment, healing from infidelity, healing from narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, low self-worth, grief & loss, trauma, stress, and difficulty adjusting to life transitions.
Experience
Created and facilitated a workshop for incoming college freshmen and their parents, which taught coping and communication skills to assist in their adjustment to college.
Therapist at community-based mental health clinic, where I provided counseling to adults, teens, and families.
Co-facilitated a group for children which helped them cope more effectively with family changes due to separation or divorce.
Therapist in private practice setting, where I was trained in the Gottman method and provided counseling for couples, as well as individuals with relationship difficulties.
Counselor in a juvenile diversion program, where I provided counseling to adolescents and their families, facilitated drug and alcohol groups, and gave presentations on drug and alcohol usage and juvenile laws to high school students.
Worked at a low cost counseling center for women and families.
Education
Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, Chapman University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Chapman University
License and Certifications
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, (license no. MFC52415)
Certified in Perinatal Mental health through Postpartum Support International
PREPARE/ENRICH (Pre-Marital and Marriage Enrichment Program) Certified Counselor
Currently pursuing certification in Somatic Experiencing through the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute
Specialized Trainings
Completed Advanced Clinical Practices for Integrative Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (Growing Well Counseling)
Completed the Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training for Mental Health and Clinical Professionals (Postpartum Support International and 2020 Mom)
Completed 216 hours of Somatic Experiencing Professional Training (Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute)
Completed Perinatal Bereavement Training (Forever Footprints)
Completed Birth Trauma Training (Nurturing Mamas Network)
Completed Training for Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator (The Gottman Institute)
Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (The Gottman Institute)
Volunteer
Forever Footprints Parent Development Team
Publication
Brougham, R. R., Zail, C., Mendoza, C., and Miller, J. (2009) Stress, Sex Differences, and Coping Strategies among College Students. Current Psychology, 8, 85-97.
Professional Memberships
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Member
