Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Oakland, CA covered by Cigna

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Hunter School of Social Work and have lived and practiced in California for over three decades. My professional background includes extensive work with older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. I am known for my patient, compassionate, and attentive approach, and I strive to be fully engaged and present with every client I serve. My goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized support that helps clients feel understood and empowered in their therapeutic journey.

There is always a path beyond what you're struggling with now. For 35 years I've had the privilege to help people like you look at their lives. I've helped them find ways to directly look at the pain, fear, anger, shame, depression, trauma, and other struggles that feel overwhelming. More importantly, I've helped people move beyond today's focus on pain and struggle to discover new ways to manage their lives, to suffer less, to feel more space, trust, and aliveness.

I completed my MA in Buddhist and Contemplative Psychology in 1992 and have added extensive training in mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, treatment of PTSD and complex trauma, Dialogue Therapy for couples, and addictions. But methods alone don't heal. We'll build a strong therapeutic partnership over time to help you feel like yourself again.

I am available to assist with many of the current issues that are affecting us all. Issues os depression, anxiety and PTSD are impacting many. Relationship and communication challenges are problematic. Challenging adolescents and children suffering from ADHD or Learning Disabilities are impacting family life. I can assist you with these common challenges, and help to provide and process solutions.

If anxiety, depression, or past trauma feels like a constant burden, you don’t have to carry it alone. I specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) therapy as a powerful, evidence-based approach to help you move past what’s holding you back — whether that’s past trauma, addictive patterns, or persistent emotional pain.

I hold a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy ( LMFT), my Doctorate in Social Work and specialized training in EMDR. Over my 13 years in practice, I have supported clients across a range of mental health and addiction settings — outpatient clinics, private practice, intensive treatment programs, etc.

My work is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. I deeply believe in your capacity to heal and grow — even when it may feel impossible now.

I enjoy helping clients who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or relationship challenges and want a safe space to feel understood. My ideal client is someone looking to improve communication, deepen self-awareness, and create healthier patterns. I offer warmth, authenticity, and practical tools to help you navigate what’s holding you back. Together, we build clarity, resilience, and meaningful change so you can move through life with more confidence and balance.

My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported. I believe mental wellness is an essential part of overall health, and that healing begins by moving from survival to thriving through nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, and strengthening the mind-body connection. Meaningful change and healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, performance anxiety, work-related stress... or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, we'll work together to build insight, process difficult experiences when appropriate, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.