Ever since high school I have wanted to be a therapist in private practice. While I began my career as a music therapist, I really wanted to help people on a deeper level, so I went back to school and got my Master’s Degree in Social Work. I worked as a clinician in a number of programs and then became a supervisor, training students and interns on their way to becoming therapists. As many clinicians do, I worked with a variety of clients with different kinds of issues, and I learned what I was most drawn to. I began to focus on couples’ work and EMDR.

EMDR has proven to be a very powerful approach. It literally helps the brain make new connections, develop new neuropathways that allow you to work through painful memories faster than ever before. Unlike therapies that require extensive homework, EMDR creates what's called "state change", meaning that the changes you make become part of your personality, so you don't have to work so hard to make them happen. I continue to be excited by the results my clients achieve with EMDR.

I originally wanted to work with children, and did so during my agency work. I found myself getting frustrated because children are so dependent on their environment, and when the families weren't willing or able to change, it was harder for the children to make and maintain positive changes. I see my work with couples as having a trickle down effect. Not only does the couple benefit by having a more harmonious relationship, but their children benefit by having a happy, stable home environment. Studies have shown that people in happy marriages are healthier and live longer. Their children do better in school and work, and are less likely to divorce. Marital success even lowers crime rates. It gives me great joy to be a part of a couple's experience as they rediscover the love that brought them together, or even grow together in ways they hadn't thought possible.

My educational experience and professional affiliations include:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, License # LCS18899
Masters Degree in Social Work, University of California, Los Angeles
Clinical Member, National Association of Social Workers
Clinical Member, EMDRIA (EMDR International Association)
Member, ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellence in EFT)

I am certified in:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

I am trained in:
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Sandtray Therapy

Thanks for your interest, and I hope to hear from you!
Sue