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"I believe that a different therapy must be constructed for each patient because each has a unique story."
-Irvin D. Yalom
"I believe that a different therapy must be constructed for each patient because each has a unique story."
-Irvin D. Yalom
"I believe that a different therapy must be constructed for each patient because each has a unique story."
-Irvin D. Yalom
"I believe that a different therapy must be constructed for each patient because each has a unique story."
-Irvin D. Yalom
"Smoky Mountain Wildflowers"
Artist Credit: Jeff Pittman
Professional Training & Background
I see clients as either a licensed psychologist or a board-certified music therapist. In addition to standard verbal therapy, I incorporate the expressive arts into my psychotherapy practice for clients who are interested. I am also a trained music psychotherapist and offer Guided Imagery and Music sessions. You can read more about my specific services below.
Psychotherapy
Our work together begins with an initial assessment process, giving us a chance to get to know each other and deeply understand your unique needs and concerns. If we mutually agree that we are a good therapeutic fit, we will collaborate to establish your goals and create a personalized treatment plan. I practice with complete transparency and maintain an active, dedicated partnership with you throughout your process. While we target the specific issues that brought you to therapy, I maintain a holistic view of your well-being—focusing on your immediate challenges while staying mindful of the bigger picture of your life.
My standard practice is to see clients weekly for 50-minute sessions. However, because therapy should be tailored to your specific clinical needs, our meeting frequency can be adapted over time to best serve you. I see clients throughout California in person and via telehealth.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship (American Music Therapy Association). The music therapy process begins with an initial assessment, giving me the chance to understand your needs and goals. If we decide we are a good therapeutic fit, we will create a personalized treatment plan to help you meet your goals. No prior musical training or background is required to benefit from this work. Rather than relying solely on talk therapy, we utilize customized musical experiences—such as active music-making, intentional listening, music and imagery techniques, or creative reflection—as a dynamic pathway to target your immediate challenges. Throughout our work, I hold a holistic view of your well-being, ensuring our creative exploration always honors the broader context of your journey.
My standard practice is to see clients weekly for 50-minute sessions, with meeting frequencies that can be adapted over time to best serve your evolving clinical needs. I provide sessions for residents of California and Oregon both in person and via telehealth.
Guided Imagery & Music
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a music-centered, consciousness-expanding therapy developed by music therapist Helen Bonny. Deeply rooted in humanistic and transpersonal approaches to therapy, this model originally emerged out of pioneering LSD clinical research in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where it was discovered that music could serve as a powerful catalyst for inner transformation without the use of substances. The method primarily uses classical music sequences to stimulate your imagination, which helps you engage with your challenges on a symbolic level. Experiencing imagery this way helps you work through issues toward the integration of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual self (Association for Music and Imagery).
Sessions begin with a collaborative conversation to identify your immediate focus. With your eyes closed, you will lie down as I lead you through a relaxation experience. Once you are in a relaxed state, the music begins, and you will speak aloud what you are experiencing while I respond in ways that help you deepen into the experience. Once the music has finished, you will transition by creating a mandala—a simple drawing within a circle used to capture your imagery, where no artistic skill or background is required—and then we will close with verbal processing.
*To watch an animated simulation of what a GIM session is like, click here.
An initial clinical assessment is necessary to determine if Guided Imagery and Music is the appropriate modality for your specific goals and to ensure you will be safe and well-supported by this deep experiential work. Unlike my other modalities, GIM sessions require a deeply immersive framework and typically span 90 minutes to 2 hours. To maintain the necessary clinical focus, safety, and containment, these sessions are available strictly in person. I offer specialized GIM sessions across both my psychotherapy practice and my music therapy practice.