True [troo], adjective.
“Real, genuine, authentic”
Nature [ney-chure], noun.
“Identity or essential character”
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therapy can be like a life raft, bringing us back to level in a time of trouble;
or, it can be a catapault, launching you toward transformation & your most authentic self, once the base is stable.
//our approach
As a licensed Marriage & Family therapist, I support individuals (young adults to elders) and couples in developing understanding and improved connection in relationship with self and others. I share tools to soothe anxiety, lighten depression, and bring clarity and kindness to communication. I have a deep well of experience and a calling for working with trauma, grief, and the subtlety of emotional abuse and C-PTSD. I also enjoy working with issues like finding meaningful vocation and expression of potential. My therapeutic approach is rooted at the intersection of contemplative practices, neuroscience, and relational models, like Attachment Theory.
I believe in taking time to understand. I believe that practicing being present is worth practicing; from presence comes the space for clarity. I offer support in developing presence with self and others, uncovering clarity, and support in bringing action into life, oriented from authenticity.
I have a deep tool box to draw upon, and the approach we use depends on your unique starting point, interests and goals. As appropriate to the individual in addition to traditional Western talk therapy, I offer AF-EMDR and Art as Therapy.
what is af-emdr?
Attachment Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that integrates the principles of Attachment Theory with traditional EMDR techniques.
What is traditional EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured protocol that uses bi-lateral stimulation to work with traumatic memories which have become looped, or stuck. EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, but is also effective in working with issues like anxiety, depression and phobias. EMDR’s structured protocol lends itself well to research and numerous studies have shown that EMDR leads to improvement in symptoms more quickly than traditional talk therapy.
How is AF-EMDR different?
Attachment Focused EMDR was developed by Laurel Parnell, who studied with the developer of EMDR, Dr. Francine Shapiro, and was a long time EMDR practitioner. AF-EMDR fills in the gaps Laurell discovered in EMDR practice: that the standard protocol works great for people with developmentally secure attachments, but has gaps in supporting people with the other attachment styles. AF-EMDR is a client-centered approach that foundationally recognizes the individual and treats the whole person, within their cultural context.
Art as therapy
In addition to specialized training in the use of Art as Therapy, I hold a B.A. in Studio Art and worked for many years as a conceptual artist. Art as Therapy can be a complementary intervention and the use of clay, paint, collage or creative writing is a part of my work with some clients.
specialties & expertise
- Anxiety
- Caregivers
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Pain
- Codependency
- Complex Trauma; C-PTSD
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Divorce
- Domestic Abuse
- First Responders
- Grief
- Life Transitions
- Marital & Pre-Marital
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Relationship Issues
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Suicidal Ideation
- Women’s Issues
//Selected
Education &
Credentials:
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #146535
- Parnell Institute Attachment-Focused EMDR Level 1, 2, and 3 Therapist
- Masters in Counseling Psychology, Sonoma State University, 2018
- Yoga Therapist Certification, International Association of Yoga Therapists, 2018
- Yoga As Therapy, North America (YATNA), 2016
- American Viniyoga Institute, Foundation for Yoga Therapy, 2011
- Yoga Anatomy Principles and Practices, The Breathing Room, 2008
- Youth Yoga Instructor Certification, Youth Yoga Dharma, 2008
- Bachelors in Art, Studio Art, Glass and Ceramics, California State University, Chico, 2007
- Yoga Instructor Certification, Master Yoga Academy, 2000
Frequently asked questions
What are your qualifications & credentials?
I have extensive formal training, but my main credential is decades of daily personal practice/work.
I hold an MA in Counseling Psychology am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
I completed my Associate work in private group practice here in Napa, under the supervision of Cathie Gordon, LMFT, LPCC. Prior to that I worked with teens and their families at Carpe Diem High School, Petaluma.
I am International Association of Yoga Therapists Certified to practice Yoga Therapy in the Viniyoga Tradition.
My personal mentor is Chase Bossart (of Yoga Well Institute). Gary Kraftsow presently oversees my personal practice (American Viniyoga Institute). My mentor before Chase and Gary was Dawn Summers (of New Dawn Yoga Therapy). I've studied within the tradition with Dolphi Wertenbaker, Amy Wheeler, and Leslie Kaminoff.
I hold a BA in Studio Art (glass and ceramics) and practiced as a conceptual artist, across mediums, for many years.
I have specialized training in art as therapy. I also spent time as a Program Director for a non-profit, bringing Art and Yoga curriculum to public schools in Solano and Napa County.
The root of all these callings is one and the same: cultivating the space to have a moment of perspective- to stop, take a breath, feel the feet on the ground and become aware- these moments bring us into connection with ourselves and others, and I've devoted my life's work to that.
What is the cost?
Individual sessions run $180/50 minutes, prorated for longer sessions.
Couples and Families work runs $200 for a 50 minute hour, prorated for longer sessions.
You deserve quality care.
We reserve one deeply reduced sliding scale spot for those whose financial need is beyond our standard fees.
We accept cash, personal check, credit card, Zelle, Paypal and Venmo.
Do you take insurance?
I can provide you with an invoice or Superbill for reimbursement, but we do not take insurance at this time.
The one exception is I do accept California Victims Compensation Board reimbursement.
I have more questions. What should I do?
Set up a free 15 minute consultation