Training and Experience:​​

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• B.S. from U.C. Berkeley with High Honors in 1981

• M.A. from California School of Professional Psychology in 1984 

• Ph.D. from California School of Professional Psychology, L.A in 1986.  Received the highest level of clinical training, in an array of clinical modalities and settings to understand the spectrum of mental illness and its treatment

• Full-time APA internship at Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center.  Trained with the early Family Systems theorists, practiced crisis intervention and helped to develop a consortium for survivors of incest and sexual abuse

• Doctoral dissertation research: addressed self-esteem and family boundaries

• Two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Reiss-Davis Child Study Center, specializing in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, parenting, and psychological assessment

• Psychological assistant in private practice in Beverly Hills, CA

• Licensed in clinical psychology in 1989 

• Staff Psychologist/Director of Training at Children's Hospital, S.F, AIRS program.  Provided patient care, supervision, and developed a psychoanalytic psychology internship program

• In 1990, opened a practice in Walnut Creek, specializing in child, adolescent, adult and family diagnostics and psychotherapy. Thanks to the wonderful patients with whom I have had the privilege of working, and the confidence of referring physicians and peers, my practice continues to grow and evolve.  Personal and professional experience and continuing education continue to inform and improve my work and deepen my compassion and understanding of life's challenges and how to overcome them

       Professional Awards and Contributions:

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• Diamond Award for Outstanding Service to the Profession of Psychology.  CCPA January 2009

• Outstanding Service Award.  CCPA January 2007.

• Selected for the International Association of Health Care Professionals, a network of "top doctors" who are deemed leaders in their respective fields.  2015

• President of the Contra Costa Psychological Association (CCPA), the local chapter of the California Psychological Association from 2007-2009, and President-Elect from 2005-2009

• Served in the Leadership and Advocacy program of the California Psychological Association, promoting public mental health care through legislative advocacy in Sacramento. 

• As Chairperson of the Information and Referral Network: helped strengthen the local professional network and create interdisciplinary networks.

• Helped to improve CCPA's website and create the "Find-A-Psychologist" search engine, which allows professionals and consumers to find qualified psychologists based on specific criteria (browse: Cocopsych.org). 

• As Member at Large: launched and hosted an ongoing Professional Networking Group.

• Senior Clinician and Consultant: serving at A Home Within, a non-profit agency that offers ongoing therapy to foster children.