Many paths lead people to become therapists. The choice to become a helper and facilitate the healing of others is more of a calling than a profession. Most often, it derives from a therapists' own experiences with struggle and pain in their lives. Empathy, the essential quality of good therapists, comes out of those experiences. (This is a good thing to remember when you are experiencing your own pain; pain can result in features of stronger character, deeper understanding, and personality transformation, if it is understood and processed fully).

LIFE EXPERIENCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMPATHY

Let me tell you briefly about how I decided to become a therapist. I came late to the field of therapy, in my 30's, after a good deal of work in other fields. I left college prior to completion of my BS degree as I was unclear as to what course I wanted to take. I decided to work in the "real world" and find my areas of interest. I held many jobs, and continued to attend school, not for the degree, but for the education. This variety of work experiences gave me a broad experience of people's frustrations and problems, both in the workplace and in their personal lives. I also volunteered at many clinics and nonprofit helplines, where I learned how to listen. One of the classes I attended, " Interviewing and Counseling Techniques " came effortless to me, and I soon realized I enjoyed this area and that listening was not as easy for some as it was for me. My instructor encouraged me to consider in this as a career. In addition, although I learned many good things from my parents, I also learned much about the things I told myself I did not want to repeat in my own life.

My own choice to become a therapist was also shaped by my own experiences as a client. I was fortunate to have had a positive therapy experience, which contributed to greater understanding of myself, my decision to return to school and become a therapist myself.

I returned to California State University, San Bernardino, in 1984 and completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1985. In 1987 I completed my Masters of Science in Clinical/Counseling Psychology also at CSUSB. I was licensed as a marriage and family counselor in 1989.

SOME EARLY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

In the mandatory internships where I accumulated hours for licensure at several non-profit agencies, I worked with abused children and their parents, foster children and individuals. I have been in private practice since 1989 and have been working with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families since then. I conducted a group for ten years for adults who were molested as minors.

I have received extensive training, supervision and experience in conducting marital therapy, which is a current area of interest and specialization for that past decade. I have received training in the area of Eating Disorders, ADHD, Asperger's, Anger Management, Relaxation and Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, Cognitive Interventions, Marital Therapy, and continued Legal and Ethical training. My hundreds of hours of continuing education are available if you would like to review them. I continue to feel touched as I watch individuals reach higher potential and greater levels of hope and delight in their lives.

I have also volunteered with my local chapter of CAMFT and became a board member, president elect and president of the chapter , which doubled its membership. Several years later, I became certified as a supervisor for interns and trainees through the CAMFT certification program, and I have supervised over a dozen therapists in training.
I continue to be energized and excited by the work I do and am grateful for the opportunity to help others live more successfully and happily.