With 30 years of experience in the mental health field, I have a reputation for compassionate and pragmatic treatment.  I work collaboratively with my patients to establish treatment goals that permit individuals to live more productive and engaging lives.

I hold a doctorate in Psychology, in addition to masters degrees in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Social Work.  I am licensed in 4 states as a clinical social worker.  Prior to moving to the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, I maintained independent psychotherapy practices in Atlanta, Georgia and Los Gatos, California.

Maintaining an eclectic style, I have studied solution-focused and strategic therapies extensively, the latter at the renowned Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, CA.  Further study was completed with Bill O'Hanlon and Simon Budman, Ph.D., both innovators in brief, solution-focused psychotherapy.

I have been engaged in the intensive study of clinical hypnosis with approved consultants of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), including the immediate past president of that same organization - accruing over 150 hours of continuing education & consultation. I have obtained national certification with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the premier professional organization for licensed healthcare providers employing clinical hypnosis in their practice.

I employ this dynamic intervention for select patients in the treatment of depression, anxiety, habit control and pain management, among other conditions/presentations (see Clinical Hypnosis and Alert Hypnosis pages for additional information).  Additionally, I am the 2006-2008 Vice President and Program Chair for the North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis, a component section of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (www.asch.net).  I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Medical Hypnosis Foundation, a non-profit agency that provides self-hypnosis training for cancer patients.

Most recently, I was invited to be on the faculty for the 9th Annual Clinical Hypnosis Workshop for Health Care Professionals, held May 16-18, 2008 @ Duke University.

I have studied Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with Jeff Brantley, M.D. at Duke University's Department of Integrative Medicine.  This is a well-researched mind/body approach that is helpful for various conditions and clinical presentations, including:  anxiety, depression, overall stress management and pain management, among others.

I am a certified employee assistance professional (CEAP) with the International Employee Assistance Program Association and have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of addictions, utilizing motivational interviewing techniques to engage patients in a readiness-to-change.

In addition to my clinical background, I have held management positions with several national managed behavioral healthcare and EAP firms.  In those positions, I had extensive experience in developing standards & procedures, overseeing clinical operations, establishing provider networks, and developing training materials.