A High Standard of Care
My Story
My introspective journey began in the mid-1960s with my introduction to Buddhist studies at the age of 13. In 1973, I was initiated into meditation practice, and shortly thereafter, I was introduced to yoga. A long and circuitous path took me through many lineages, philosophies, and practices. In 1997, I discovered mindfulness meditation through the writings of my first mindfulness teacher, Jon Kabat-Zinn. Two other important teachers followed: Jack Kornfield and my mentor, Phillip Moffitt. In 2001, Phillip encouraged me to begin teaching, and Jack gave his verbal blessing. Soon after, I decided to return to earn my Masters and Doctor of Psychology degrees, in order to integrate these mindfulness practices into the therapeutic process.
I have been extensively trained and certified in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for depression and anxiety, and have received international recognition as an MBCT mentor. I also assisted in the development of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for addictive behaviors. I facilitate MBCT and MBRP classes regularly in the Pasadena and West Los Angeles area, or individually in my South Pasadena office. For more information on these classes, click here.
In the realm of mindfulness instruction, I have earned Certified Mindfulness Teacher - Professional Level status through the International Mindfulness Teachers Association with more than 20 years of teaching experience. I serve on the adjunct faculty at Antioch University, Los Angeles where I teach the adaptation of mindfulness in clinical practice in the Master of Arts Psychology program. Currently, I am a senior teacher and content creator with eMindful.com, a live online meditation platform, and a member of the teaching staff at the Center for Mindful Living/Mindful Living Collective in Los Angeles.
More recently, I have taken a deep dive into neuroscience as it relates to trauma, and specifically traumatic re-experiencing. Re-experiencing takes place when a current situation is similar to a trauma suffered earlier in life. I have also applied trauma theory to mindfulness meditation practice with trauma-sensitive mindfulness (TSM) skills. Using TSM best practices helps to ensure fewer emotional or mental difficulties arising as a result of meditation-induced traumatic re-experiencing.
Education
Doctor of Psychology (Magna Cum Laude), California Southern Univeristy.
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with Depth Emphasis, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Bachelors Degree, University of Kansas
Licensure
Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, License #LMFT50759.
Affiliations
International Association of Mindfulness Teachers, Certified Mindfulness Teacher - Professional Level.