Masters degree ,counseling Capella University.

Masters degree Yale University

Ph.D. in ecology Oregon State University


Counseling is about self-discovery. My goal as a counselor is to help people uncover their vast potential for change. As such, I consider it a privilege to work with my clients, and never cease to be amazed at their stories of courage and healing.

In my work with individuals, couples, and families, I often focus on relationships in the family or workplace. For example, couples who are struggling to re-connect often lack needed communication skills, some of which require training in the area of emotional intelligence.

In my practice, I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy enhanced by mind-body techniques, directed mindfulness, movement, hypnotherapy, and ecotherapy. In my work with couples and families, I use a combination of Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Gottman Marital Therapy.

For the last three decades, I've taught traditional martial arts and hold a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate-do. I often bring this perspective into my work with individuals and groups, for example, as a framework for anger management and emotional self-control. As many of the core principles of traditional martial arts align with the goals of psychotherapy, I have integrated them in a course in mindfulness and movement, MindBodyOne.

My professional background also includes research, training, teaching, writing, policy analysis, and organizational development. Over the past 25 years, I have worked in academia, government, and the private sector on issues of social, ecological, and psychological well-being. This work has included (1) the development of risk assessment strategies and tools; (2) facilitating community-based partnerships for sustainability; and (3) organizational approaches to accommodate organizational complexity and uncertainty.