The Beginning of My Attachment Theory Journey
After receiving a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, I went on to study Attachment Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Mindsight and Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) with Daniel J. Siegel M.D. at the Mindsight Institute in Santa Monica, CA. It was there that I first learned an amazing finding from the field of Attachment Theory & Research.
Why I Do What I Do
Attachment theory tells us that it is not just what happens to us alone in childhood that is so significant – but how we come to make sense of what happened. Wow! When I read that – I knew that helping people discover and make sense of their stories was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
No matter what has happened to us throughout our life – it is the making sense of the process that allows us to move forward and to live a life of meaning and hope – lives where we thrive, not merely survive.
My Training
Using “making sense” as the platform from which to start, there are many tools and strategies that help along the way. I have been trained in Mindful Awareness Practices and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction by Dan Siegel, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Jack Kornfield. I am certified in EMDR, studying with, among others, Laurell Parnell and her Attachment-Focused EMDR. I have studied, practiced, and been a team member in DBT.
How My Sessions Work
At best, therapy is a collaborative process between client and therapist. You bring in your history and goals. I will meet you with my training and experience, and we will work together to make sense of it. As a therapist, it is my responsibility to keep an open heart and mind to the journey of my clients, as well as to stay up to date and well-informed on the newest scientific studies and outcomes.
My Ever Changing Practices
So much is developing in the areas of attachment, neuroplasticity, epigenetics, mindful awareness, adolescent development, trauma, and adoption – it is my job to keep current on these findings so as to offer my clients the most well-informed and effective interventions.
I am always looking for ways to help and guide my clients. I have learned from experience that there is no such thing as a perfect therapist, but it is every therapist’s responsibility to forever be in pursuit of perfecting the art & science of therapy.