I am a licensed clinical social worker with 15 years professional experience. My primary focus is providing supportive counseling to older adults and family caregivers. I believe in providing a warm, supportive and thought-provoking environment where you can feel safe to explore your feelings and concerns. As a counselor, my approach is collaborative – we work together to identify and address whatever issues are most important to you.

 

For some older adults, the unexpected nature of the aging process often makes people feel nervous and scared. Sometimes roles change within a family, as parents begin to need assistance and adult children take on the role of caregivers. Loss of independence, or the fear of losing control, can also trigger feelings of anxiety or even anger.

 

If you are a caregiver, the emotional experiences involved with providing care can strain even the most capable person. The resulting feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, isolation, exhaustion—and then guilt for having these feelings—can exact a heavy toll. Many of the changes we face as we grow older—such as retirement, the death of friends and loved ones, increased isolation, loneliness or health problems—can lead to depression and anxiety.

 

Prior to starting my private practice, I worked at the Alzheimer’s Association, San Diego Hospice, and as a geriatric care manager. I also worked for 6 years as the Psychological Consultant at an Adult Day Healthcare Center, providing mental health service and assessments for adults with mental illness (primarily Depression, Anxiety and Schizophrenia), intellectual disabilities and brain injuries.

 

I received my BS in Psychological Services from Northwestern University in Evanston IL, and my Masters in Social Work from SDSU.