I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Ph.D. from Georgia State University. I was born in New York, and after leaving there in 1960, lived in various parts of the country, on both coasts. I moved to the Atlanta area and lived there from 1977 until 2009. I have provided psychological services at Ridgeview Institute, Emory University Counseling Center, the Atlanta Veterans Administration Hospital, and Shepherd Spinal Center (now called Shepherd Center). In 1992, I opened my private practice in Decatur, GA, which became full-time in 1994. In July of 2009, I moved to Orcas Island, in Washington State.
Since prior to completing my doctorate I have attended conferences, workshops, and seminars too numerous to mention in order to enrich the expertise I offer my clients. A particular focus of the training I have sought involves methodologies that have the power to alleviate distressing feelings, habits, and conditions and achieve goals more rapidly than traditional "talk therapy."
I am certified in Clinical Hypnosis by ASCH (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis), an organization that certifies only licensed professionals such as physicians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurse practitioners, and have advanced training in EMDR from the EMDR Institute. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques, including hypnotherapy, to address anxiety, phobias, self-esteem issues, weight management, performance enhancement, smoking cessation, pain management, and myriad other issues. I use EMDR to help people overcome previously unhealed traumatic experience. With these and other approaches, I provide support and practical feedback to help clients address current life challenges and long-standing issues.
I enjoy working with couples who are invested in having flourishing relationships. I take great delight in helping couples to improve their communication, to examine and modify their ways of relating to each other, and to explore ways to increase the vitality of their sexual connection. I am a member of AASECT (American Association of Sex Educators Counselors and Therapists). My specialized training and experience in the field of sex and gender goes beyond traditional sex therapy. It includes work with those dealing with chronic illness and disability that impacts their sexual functioning, and work with issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and erotic orientation.
