Registered Psychologist in Vancouver, B.C. and California
Practicing Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst
Entering the Field of Psychotherapy Through the Back Door
I received a degree in kinesiology with a major in dance. As a long time dancer, my goal was to pursue a degree in dance therapy, so I eventually received my Ph.D. in psychology.
I wanted to study the deepest type of psychology possible so decided to get a certificate in psychoanalysis. After my academic studies, I remained a dancer – my passion for dance could never be taken out of the equation!
In Life I am an Artist
I am a former ballet dancer and pianist. Like these art forms, effective therapy is a creative process between you as the client and myself as the psychotherapist. As you gain insight in our work together, we will work to make your life the best “creative product” that it can be.
Having been an artist, I understand that goals are elusive. There are impasses at times in life and in psychotherapy. During these times, it can be hard to see your goals, but if you work hard, you can achieve what you really want!
I Love My Work As a Psychologist
I’ve been a therapist for over 30 years. Being a psychologist is a small way of making an impact helping people to stop suffering, feel stronger, and to find inner joy in themselves as well as in their relationships.
I enjoy trying to understand the experience of another and helping people achieve the most out of their lives. Working with people is a type of dance pas de deux (a dance of two people) with you, the client, and myself as the therapist.
Training and Experience
Psychoanalysis:
I am a graduate psychoanalyst. I had my own analysis for over a decade, which means I am exceptionally skilled at helping with the deeper understanding of the mind when troubles occur. I am skilled at drawing the parallels between the struggles you are having in your current life with those that have occurred in your past. Your personal history is something that must be addressed and healed if you want lasting change.
Mindfulness:
For several years, I have studied mindfulness meditation and have my own daily practice. Mindfulness is a method I use with my clients to help them feel calmer and more relaxed. Overtime, practicing mindfulness helps to rewire your brain to be more present in the here and now and to feel more positive about your life.
Education
- Registered Psychologist #01364, Board of Psychology British Columbia, 1998
- Supervising and Training Psychoanalyst – California Graduate Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 1995
- Clinical Psychologist, PSY # 12457, Board of Psychology, CA,
- California Graduate Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 1991
- Graduate Psychoanalyst, P911907, NAAP, California Graduate Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 1991
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, California Graduate Institute. Los Angeles, CA, 1987
- B.Sc. in Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 1978
Teaching Experience:
- Department of Psychoanalysis, California Graduate Institute, Los Angeles, 1989-1997
- Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program of the Western Branch of the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society, 2004-2009
- Department of Psychiatry University of British Columbia, 2011-present
Psychotherapy Memberships:
- British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA)
- Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists (CRHSP)
- International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA)
- Canadian Psychoanalytic Society (CPS)
My Life Outside the Therapy Room
I have an ear for the arts. I am a serious athlete. I enjoy the great outdoors! I’d rather work with my hands than watch TV. I appreciate the company of good friends and close family. I have organized a program with three high schools to visit the sick in the hospital bringing comfort and company. I do this on a pro bono basis.