Mission
First and foremost, I hope to instill hope, the feeling or belief that things will turn out for the best. I collaboratively work with each individual to help him or her develop insight into the thoughts, feelings, conflicts, and relational patterns underlying their psychological and emotional pain. I have found that this new insight, coupled with developing new ways of relating to oneself and others, promotes movement toward healing and transformation. Ultimately, my depth oriented approach affords each individual the opportunity to experience long-term, meaningful change in themselves and relationships.
Credentials
I have a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, a master of arts degree in clinical psychology, and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). I completed an APA accredited predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the Hamm Memorial Psychiatric Clinic and a postdoctoral fellowship accredited by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) and the Joint Commission of Hospitals at Baylor College of Medicine - The Menninger Clinic. After completing my academic and clinical training, I became licensed as a psychologist in the State of Colorado. Thereafter, I completed a four year program in adult psychoanalysis at the Denver Institute for Psychoanalysis.
Professional Experience
I have over a decade of experience providing clinical assessment and treatment to a variety of populations in multiple settings. I have worked in university counseling centers, private and state psychiatric hospitals, elementary and middle schools, and community mental health clinics. I have extensive experience assessing and treating mental health issues ranging from adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems to severe and persistent mental illnesses such as primary mood, bipolar, and psychotic spectrum disorders.
During my postdoctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine - The Menninger Clinic, I worked on the Professionals In Crisis (PIC) unit and acquired invaluable experience providing assessment and treatment for high performance professionals such as business executives, attorneys, medical personnel, politicians, and entrepreneurs. In addition to having extensive clinical experience, I also have training and experience in forensic evaluation, and have completed an array of malingering, violence and suicide risk, and competency to stand trial assessments.
What is a Psychologist?
Broadly, a clinical psychologist is a professional who evaluates and studies human behavior and mental processes that must have a doctorate degree in psychology and at least one year of postdoctoral supervision. The Practice of Psychology is defined by the Colorado Statutes for Mental Health Professionals as: “The observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, or modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, or procedures, for the purpose of: (a) preventing, eliminating, evaluating, assessing, or predicting symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior; (b) evaluating, assessing, or facilitating the enhancement of individual, group, or organization effectiveness, including personal effectiveness, adaptive behavior, interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, health, and individual, group, or organization performance; or (c) providing clinical information to be utilized in legal proceedings.”
