Feeling challenged by relationship or family issues? Concerned about your teen's mood, judgment, behavior?  Overwhelmed by work, school, finances? Struggling with grief, depression, or self-defeating behaviors? Need support recovering from traumatic experiences?  Old issues getting in the way of your happiness?

Therapy provides a safe space for processing thoughts and feelings, and for exploring different ways of being.   Psychotherapy has also been shown to have important benefits over time, such as solutions to specific problems, insight into one’s own behavior, feelings and motivations, better relationships and relationship skills, improved coping skills, improved distress tolerance and significant reductions in feelings of distress and overall improvement in health and well-being. This can manifest in increased self-confidence, productivity and a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco.   Before becoming a psychologist, I had a career as an attorney.  I have also worked in public schools as a counselor and educator.  I currently work as a mediator in addition to my psychotherapy practice.  Some clients find that my familiarity with business, law, public education and conflict resolution enhances our work together.  

After several years of coursework and pre-doctoral internships at the Wright Institute, I completed two full-time post-doctoral residencies in Psychiatry and Chemical Dependency at Kaiser in San Rafael, where I did individual, family, marital and group therapy with adults and adolescents.  My training also includes a year-long post-graduate course in the treatment of adolescents at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. 

My work is informed by psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and family systems theory. Although theory helps me understand and respond to your treatment needs, I view the therapeutic relationship as the most important aspect of therapy.  My style is warm, collaborative and engaged, with a sense of humor.  

If you are thinking about changing your relationship to drugs and alcohol, are struggling with codependency issues, or are actively engaged in a recovery program, you will need support, understanding, a sounding board, and new skills.  Therapy can be a crucial part of your success in making positive changes in your life.  Our work can help you develop your strengths and self-confidence and feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Specialties: kids over 10, teens, gifted adolescents, doctors, attorneys, law students, medical students, graduate students, college students, parents, family and marital/couples counseling, helping divorcing parents negotiate parenting issues, recovery from substance abuse, codependency issues.

My practice is LGBT friendly.   The San Francisco office is wheelchair-accessible.

Mediation:  As a mediator, I specialize in conflicts or situations with relational or emotional components. Examples: Family businesses, adult siblings, elder care issues, estate planning and probate issues, special needs trusts, trustee-beneficiary issues, employment, artists and musicians, personal injury, disability, partnership disputes. Please see www.diamondmediation.com for more information.