Training & EXPERIENCE
2024: Certified as a Brainspotting Treatment Therapist
2019-2022: Completed the 4 Phases of Brainspotting Training, as well as Expansion Spot Training, Wavespotting and The Crocodile Set-Up for Addictions. I continue to receive monthly supervision sessions.
2016-2017: Trained in Neuro Affective Touch (NAT) for Trauma by Dr. Aileen La Pierre.
2013: Certified Graduate of The Trauma Resource Institute.
2012: Certified by the State of California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
2003: Level II Certified in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reinstallation) Trauma Treatment.
2001: Certification from The Stepfamily Association of America.
2000: Graduate of The Ackerman Training & Treatment Institute for The Family.
1997: Certification from New York State as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
1997: Master’s Degree Cum Laude in Social Work from New York University.
1975: Honors bachelor’s degree in Journalism Cum Laude from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.
Experience
1997-2024: Private Practice. I work in-person with couples, families, individuals, adolescents and children, in West Los Angeles and New York, as well as on Zoom and Skype. I treat trauma, substance abuse, loss, grief, relational and family conflict and and how to cope with major life changes. I offer pre- and post-marital counseling, specializing in 12-Step recovery couples.
2000-2022: Clinical Director at Freedom House, an all-women’s, 12-bed facility. I held weekly 60-minute individual and 90-minute groups sessions with residents treating their emotional sobriety challenges, trauma issues, addictions, family, relational and family conflicts, mental and physical illness, while guiding them to develop future education/career goals. I supervised an MFT-candidate as well as on-site staff and collaborated with senior staff to develop treatment and discharge plans for residents.
2019-2021: Treatment Specialist at the Resolutions Teen Center in Santa Monica. I worked with adolescents, teens and non-binary clients providing individual Trauma Treatment, Impulse Control Methods, Somatic Skills, Mindfulness Strategies, 12-Step guidance, Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Relational Therapy, CBT, DBT and addiction treatment.
2011-2014: Promises Professionals Treatment Program. Facilitated early recovery groups for doctors, nurses, lawyers, and other professionals dealing with their addictions.
2011-2014: Promises Treatment Center. Facilitated several weekly groups for clients in early sobriety.
2010-2011: Coordinator & Lecturer UCLA. Public Health 890B: “Expanding Your Toolbox:Utilizing the 12-Steps as Psychodynamic Modalities.”
2002-2019: Legal Consultant. Provided support for lawyers and their clients facing divorce and child custody issues as the result of caregiver addictions. Assisted NY & LA lawyers to reduce sentences for clients with substance abuse charges.
2010-2014: Group Facilitator. Bridge To Recovery, LA. Facilitated weekly addiction recovery groups.
2008- 2011: Staff Supervisor and Primary Therapist at Malibu Sober Living. Supervised staff individually and in weekly groups. Worked with clients in groups and individually, treating early sobriety issues.
2007: Sober Living Consultant at “Loft 107,” Brooklyn, NY. Developed the Admission Protocol, House Rules Contract and Discharge Packet for clients.
1997-2002: Hazelden New York Family Services. Created, developed, marketed, and facilitated the “Family & Friends Program.” Provided support groups for parents, caregivers and those who love substance abusers. Group therapy integrated the 12-Step philosophy of Al-Anon with Mindfulness, CBT, DBT and Psychodynamic modalities. Individual sessions were provided to clients & their families. All were invited to participate in a free, on-going 12-week lecture series which was also to the local NYC community.
1997-2002: Hazelden New York’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Created, developed, marketed, and facilitated the “Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP),” an 8-week, 3X/week group, for substance abusers in early recovery and for those with a chronic history of relapse. I also held weekly groups for graduates from the IOP. Group treatment integrated the 12-Step philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous with different psychodynamic modalities.
1997-1998: Greenwich House, NY. Provided treatment and crisis intervention for polysubstance abusing clients and their families. Interfaced with parole boards, family courts, child protection agencies and housing organizations.
1996-1997: Manhattan State Psychiatric Hospital, Randall’s Island. Worked in an all-male, locked ward with chronically mentally ill substance abusers. Created the “Residential Placement Program,” to house the dually-diagnosed and physically handicapped patients upon their release.
1976-1994: Acting Career in Film, Television & Theatre.
1971-1976: Radio & Television Journalist. Wrote, produced, and hosted news stories for CBC-Radio Canada, CTV Television & 2UE Radio in Sydney, Australia.
AFFILATIONS:
NASW National Council on Addiction & Alcoholism
NASW Committee on Alcoholism, Tobacco, and Drug
WAAT (Women’s Assoc. of Addiction Therapists)
Friends Of the Semel Institute, UCLA
National Shingles Association