About
I always say finding the right therapist is based upon the “goodness of fit model”- whether my therapeutic style and personality are the right fit for you. So let me share a little more about myself, so you can decide if we would work well together.
Most clients describe me as authentic and down-to-earth. One person mentioned, “It’s like hanging out on the back porch drinking coffee with a neighbor.” I thoroughly enjoy what I do and find the conversations with my clients stimulating and exciting.
A personal value of mine is to practice what I preach. I do not ask you to engage in treatment modalities I have not practiced myself. Health and wellbeing is the backbone of my personal life practice and is an ongoing pursuit of my growth and learning. The exploration of the mind-body connection and various healing modalities within both my personal and professional life have provided me with an in-depth understanding of the interplay between physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and happiness.
I do not ask you to engage in treatment modalities I have not practiced myself.
As a marriage and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships and connecting to oneself and others. Therefore, in addition to my practice as a psychotherapist, I am a passionate advocate and consultant in the community. It is my vision to connect individuals, families, institutions and communities in mutually supportive relationships that foster health and well-being for all.
I have been practicing as a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical supervisor for over 11 years, with a prior decade of working in the nonprofit, community mental health sector in a variety of roles. Please visit my LinkedIn profile for additional information about my career.
In my time off, I enjoy nature, hiking, camping, meditation, art and culture, community activism and learning about new things.
Education and Training
Bachelor of arts degree in Counseling Psychology – The college of Santa Fe, NM
Master of science in Marriage and Family Therapy – San Diego State University
AAMFT approved clinical supervisor training and certification
Advanced training courses in
EMDR Therapy (eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing)
Treatment of trauma and PTSD
Interpersonal Violence (community and domestic violence/sexual assault/child abuse/molest/military combat)
LGBTQ issues and Gender Therapy
Eating disorders and body image issues
Maudsley Family Therapy for treatment of eating disorders in youth
Positive Discipline and parenting
Publications
Hernandez, P., Rickard, J. & Giambruno, P. (2008). Transformative family therapy with a lesbian couple: a case study, Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, 20(4), 281-298
Licensure
California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT# 49200)
Certifications
AAMFT-approved Supervisor
Memberships
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)
