Covid—and its fear, isolation, and division—has affected all of us…and in most cases, not positively. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared a mental-health crisis among our youth, not to mention those of us not defined as “youth” anymore.

I work through a depth-psychology lens to pinpoint and heal developmental and trauma wounds by identifying unconscious (subconscious) experiences and thoughts that create the symptoms that lead you to therapy.

While bringing the unconscious to consciousness, I simultaneously provide knowledge and tools to mitigate current symptoms and empower you to discover your true Self. 

During the pandemic I experienced and then trained in brainspotting, which I use in person, online, and over the phone to nuke the source of stubborn symptoms that have not responded to traditional talk therapy. It has become an important tool in my ever-changing box of treatment tricks. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional—meaning I’m trained in identifying and treating trauma both obvious and obscure—as well as a Certified ADHD Professional.

I’m especially skilled in treating victims of narcissistic abuse and ADHD, whose symptoms may include low self-esteem and self-worth, imposter syndrome, depression, general anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelm, shutdown, dissociation, OCD,  body-image concerns and eating disorders, procrastination, lack of or low motivation, and/or failure to live up to potential, among others.

That said, I have collaborated with clients dealing with all kinds of situations and issues—life transitions (divorce/breakup, moving, job change, going to college), relationships, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, personality disorders, parenting, step-parenting, grief (loss of a parent, relationship, home, job), adoption, identifying a career, multicultural- and LGBTQ-specific issues, and more.

As a working, divorced, and remarried mom, stepmother, and daughter of divorce, I have had my share of life challenges. Perhaps because of them, I approach life and people without judgment, just empathy, curiosity, and compassion. Together we will find solutions, growth, and hope. 

How I Work (Knowledge Is Power)

My therapeutic strategy is to provide space, empathy, validation, education, and practical tools to manage the current issues that brought you to therapy while simultaneously exploring your life history and uncovering unconscious motives (through patterns, dreams, creative works, sandplay) that are influencing your actions today.

Pre-Private Practice

Before establishing my own practice, I trained and worked with clients at Sessions Counseling Group in Valley Village and Caring Connected in Valencia, and, before/during that, at community mental-health clinic Counseling West in Sherman Oaks. 

Education

I earned my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, Calif., and my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

I am a perpetual student and regularly attend training seminars and generally soak up all things psychology—books, articles, podcasts, academic journals, and whatever else piques my interest.

Past Life

Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in the world of magazine and web publishing as a writer, editor, and general utility player. 

Let’s figure out a way to emerge from this crisis a little more sane than when we fell in.

 ~ Danielle