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I moved to Palm Springs from northern CA in 2016. Prior to that, I managed a nonprofit that provided services to homeless people. I have also worked in an inpatient mental health facility and a pain clinic. My approach is direct and frank and I enjoy helping individuals and couples identify their strengths and overcome challenges. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, the warm desert weather, the pool, and my poodle Murphy.
My approach
I have been a social worker for over 20 years. My approach is strength-based and solution-focused. I take an eclectic approach that includes a variety of narrative/motivational interviewing.
My focus
My ideal client is amenable to my direct approach and is as invested as I am in achieving their goals. I like feedback from clients on how they are doing and how our sessions are going.
My communication style
I am direct and honest. I enjoy working with clients who take my many suggestions and ideas and distill them into a strategy that is individualized and appropriate. When I offer ideas, the client needs to be able to say--"wow, what a great idea, I'll try it," or "that's the stupidest thing I ever heard--what else have you got?"
My journey to mental healthcare
I have been a social worker for many years. In the late 1990s, I was living in a very rural community and working with AIDS patients. I was a grassroots social worker but realized that I needed experience and education if I was ever going to make a difference. Although it was a 70-mile trip, partly on dirt roads, and I was a single parent who was also working, I started at our local community college. Two years later, with an AA degree, I moved 40 miles north to attend the local university, got my BSW degree, and started managing the local homeless shelter. For three years, I took the 600-mile round trip once a month to Sacramento to participate in the MSW program because this was not available locally. In 2004 with my degree, I spent ten years working full time and accruing the 3200 hours of practice for licensure, which I achieved in 2015.
My goals for you
Successful progress involves helping the clients identify their concerns and goals and then supporting them in creating a plan to achieve them.
My first session with you
I introduce myself and talk about my experience and my approach. I ask the client what he/she hopes to get from therapy. I talk about how I plan to work with the client. I assure the client that if my approach is not for them, I will not be offended if they decide to try someone else, but outline what therapy with me will look like.
