Welcome to my practice! 

About Me:

I am a California Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides psychotherapy to a wide range of clients of different ages, with different concerns, from mild depression to severe and persistent mental health issues. I believe that since each person is unique, there cannot be a “one size fits all” approach to treatment, and I tailor treatment plans and goals to each individual. I support clients in exercising their own free choice and changing through self-actualization. I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy techniques combined with other therapeutic principles as appropriate. Call me for a free 15 minute consultation. Together, we can collaborate to make the changes you want!

My Background & Experience: 

Believe it or not, I grew up in Flushing, Queens, NY. I’ve always been observant and loved helping people. I moved down south to New Orleans for college in 2000. My professional work within the field of psychology began in 2001 while I was studying at Loyola University New Orleans. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Cum Laude in 2004, which gave me the opportunity to gain experience in research, as well as the opportunity to work for a psychologist’s private practice and tutor public school children. After I graduated from college, I worked for a non-profit organization that advocated for the rights of individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005. I evacuated for several months and was one of the few who was lucky enough to not lose my property or loved ones. Post-hurricane, I relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and began my doctoral program in 2006. I graduated with my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2011 with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology. Throughout the years, both during my training years and after, I have successfully treated clients with a variety of concerns, taking into account each person’s strengths, needs, and goals. 

Prior to my current private practice, I worked within the California prison system providing individual and group treatment to individuals serving sentences for a variety of crimes. Prior to this, I worked in Adult Substance Abuse treatment facilities, Crisis centers, Inpatient and outpatient programs, and even a high school! I completed my post-doctoral internship performing psychodiagnostic evaluations and providing therapy to children and adults, and families. It was always important to me to get as much varied experience so I would be equipped to help a number of people with different types of problems or concerns. 

About my style: 

My style of practice incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques with principles of transference-based/psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic therapies. I believe the therapeutic relationship is extremely important in helping clients to improve their functioning and feel better. Without an effective and communicative therapeutic bond, true and lasting change can seldom be made. I base my practice on this principle. I tend to be warm and honest when I interact with clients, I’ve been told that I help people feel comfortable fairly quickly. Furthermore, I use humor in therapy because I believe that humor is one of the most important resources we have as humans!

Although things seem hard sometimes, we all have (or can develop) the resources within us that allow us to make it through. I can help you do that.

Thanks for visiting! Looking forward to speaking with you. 

Dr. Lisa 🙂