Psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults
In Pasadena, CA
About me
I hold a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles and a Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology from University College London. I'm currently pursuing a certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the New Center for Psychoanalysis, in Los Angeles. A full list of my training and qualifications is here.
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I have provided mental health support in pre-schools, schools, community clinics and private practice in the UK and California.
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Prior to becoming a psychologist and psychotherapist I worked in the field of international development aid, managing human rights and conflict resolution programs in Cambodia, India, and the Balkans.
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I have studied and practiced Ashtanga yoga, almost daily, for the past twenty years. This was my point of entry into self awareness, meaning-making, and understanding of myself and others. This has subsequently been built upon and enhanced through psychotherapy. This daily practice has taught me the value of consistency, trust and the power of showing up, all of which are crucial for the therapeutic relationship and for growth.
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I'm a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #138370) and I'm supervised by Dr Evelyn Novello (PSY 20595).
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Services
Psychotherapy
Feeling seen, heard and understood. This is the core of psychotherapy. I work with you collaboratively and creatively to gain understanding and insight, discover new meaning and, in time, find relief.
Adults
Maybe you're seeking therapy because of a specific life situation: a death, a birth, a marriage, a separation, an illness or a recovery. Or perhaps there is something you've felt for a long time: anger, sadness, loneliness, confusion, anxiety or self-doubt. Or maybe there is a desire to understand yourself better or to discover purpose and new meaning. Whatever brought you, I offer a place for exploration. A place to be heard without judgement. It's a place for pain and discomfort as well as for joy and celebration. I listen for themes that may reveal the content of unconscious processes that might be keeping you stuck in unwanted patterns of behavior.
Children & Teens
Children and teens are brought to therapy for various reasons including sadness, worry, anger, difficulty sleeping, difficulties eating, striving for perfectionism, and relationship challenges (within the family and outside of it). And sometimes they just need some support in figuring out who they are. I use various methods including talking, playing and drawing to establish a connection through which we can explore their experiences and help them to make sense of what is going on within themselves and in their relationship to others.
Getting Started
How do I start?
​Call or email to arrange a short (10-15 minute) phone call. If it feels that you would like to proceed further we will arrange an initial consultation session. During the first session, we will discuss your situation and the possibilities of working together, as well as any questions and concerns you might have. Choosing a therapist who is right for you is vital to the success of any therapy – if you feel that what is offered is not what you are looking for, I will be happy to suggest alternatives.
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​How do I get my child started in therapy?
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Parent(s)/carer(s) are a crucial part of child therapy. We begin with a parent session or sessions (without the child) to discuss the nature of the concern, take a detailed developmental history, and to determine how the concern can be best addressed (parent sessions, individual child sessions, or a combination). If we proceed with individual child therapy, then usually parent sessions are held at least once per month (in the beginning phase), to share ongoing concerns, monitor progress, and develop support strategies. Parent sessions are billed at the same rate as child sessions.
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​​​​How long and how often are sessions?
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Sessions are 50 minutes for adults and 45 minutes for children. Sessions are scheduled at the same time every week. ​
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What are the fees?​​​​​​​​​​​
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The fee is $175 per session. Missed sessions (cancelled less than 24 hours in advance) are due in full.